Author: Badalian Vardan

JEANNINE VARTANIAN CHEVALIER DE LA LEGION D’HONNEUR
Jean Eckian

armenews.com
samedi 26 mai 2012

Vendredi 25 Mai, Jeannine Vartanian Presidente de l’Association
des Dames Armeniennes Amies des Ecoles Tebrotzassère, a ete promue
Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur au Yan’s Club sur proposition de
Nacer Meddah, Prefet de la Seine-Saint-Denis.

C’est Jean Gaeremynck, President du Conseil d’administration de l’Ofpra
(1), Conseiller d’Etat, qui lui a remis les insignes de Chevalier
sous les applaudissements des 120 personnes reunies pour l’occasion
et les larmes de son epoux Edouard -bien connu de la communaute-
en presence de Monseigneur Norvan Zakarian, de Pascal Popelin, Maire
adjoint de Livry-Gargan et diverses autres personnalites.

Dans son Discours, Jeannine Vartanian a remercie le Depute-maire du
Raincy Eric Raoult et Alain Calmat, Maire de Livry-Gargan qui “non
jamais failli a notre cause”, dira-t-elle, sans oublier les Dames
fondatrices de l’ecole, ses predecesseurs, ses bienfaiteurs et les
associations qui ont permis la perennite de ce lieu d’enseignement
dont la reussite n’est plus a demontrer grâce aux efforts d’une
efficace equipe dirigeante et de ses enseignants.

Nee le 16 Juin 1944 a Paris, fille de Mr et Mme Arabian, rescapes du
genocide de 1915, Jeannine epouse Edouard Vartanian en 1965, mariage
dont ils auront deux enfants : Laurent et Stephane.

Un BEPC en poche, elle obtient ensuite un CAP de couture qui lui
permet de soutenir l’activite de ses parents a Livry Gargan puis a
Rosny sous Bois jusqu’en 1972.

De sa rencontre avec Edouard Vatanian, alors qu’elle est
administratrice d’Omnium Promotion (informatique, micrographie et
numerisation), et lui l’un des directeurs commerciaux, s’instaure
pour Jeannine un partenariat de benevolat où elle seconde son epoux
au sein de l’AAAS, association de bienfaisance qui gère trois maisons
de retraite.

C’est en 1981 qu’elle s’implique dans les activites sociales de la
communaute armenienne, devenant administratrice, tresorière, Vice
Presidente puis Presidente depuis 1995 de l’A.D.A.A.E.T (Association
des Dames Armeniennes Amies des Ecoles Tebrotzassère) dont un des buts
est la gestion de l’ecole Franco-Armenienne Tebrotzassère au Raincy.

De 120 elèves en 1981, l’ecole en accueille aujourd’hui 240. l’ADAAET
est reconnue de Bienfaisance par la Prefecture de Bobigny depuis 2005.

Jeannine Vartanian explique que ” L’une des specificites de
Tebrotzassère est la transmission de la langue armenienne, de nos
traditions, notre histoire et notre culture. L’autre specificite
est d’assurer l’integration dans la societe francaise d’enfants de
parents primo-arrivants, venus de pays du Moyen Orient. Integration
que nous reussissons parfaitement puisque les elèves sortant de notre
etablissement en fin de 3ème du collège frequentent avec succès les
lycees publics.”

Le 5 mars 1988, Jacques Chirac alors Premier ministre est recu
a l’ecole, puis sous sa presidence s’ensuivront leurs saintete
Karekine 1er (1999) et Karekine II (2001), date a laquelle Eric
Raoult, Depute-maire du Raincy inaugure le “Carrefour d’Armenie”,
face a l’ecole, en presence d’Edward Nalbandian, ancien ambassadeur
d’Armenie en France. En 2008, a la demande du couple Vartanian, une
voie Missak Manouchian a ete inauguree a Rosny sous Bois en presence de
Claude Bartolone, President du Conseil General de Seine Saint Denis,
de Monsieur Claude Capillon, Maire Adjoint et Conseiller General et
d’Antoine Bagdikian, President des Anciens combattants et resistants
armeniens de France.

Pour les nombreuses actions de benevolat au service de l’education,
Jeannine Vartanian a ete plus d’une fois honoree localement et au
plan national. Pour elle il s’agit “de resserrer les liens d’amitie
et de fidelite avec la France, pays des droits de l’homme et qui
a genereusement accueilli nos parents.” Toutes les actions menees
par l’ADAAET ne peuvent etre accomplies qu’avec l’aide des Dames du
Conseil d’Administration depuis 1879, date de sa creation a Ortakoy,
banlieue de Constantinople.

La Legion d’Honneur, creee par Napoleon Bonaparte en 1802, est percue
comme “valorisante” par 68% des Francais (82% meme chez les 18-24
ans), souligne la Grande Chancellerie dans un communique, s’appuyant
sur un sondage CSA/DICOD realise les 12 et 13 septembre 2011 auprès
de 1005 personnes.

(1) Office francais de protection des refugies et apatrides

VIDEO: SERJ TANKIAN – ‘FIGURE IT OUT’
BY JOSH GRIPTON

The Silver Tongue

May 25 2012

While Armenian-American metal guru Serj Tankian has always been quick
to spit in the face big business and corrupt government, his 2010
album Imperfect Harmonies followed a distinctly less hard rock /
metal approach than what fans of the System of a Down frontman have
become accustomed to, offering a more prog, symphonic-based sound.

The new video for “Figure It Out” however, has proven to be a
hyperactive romp that simply, yet wholeheartedly, flashes a middle
finger to executives and corporations the world-over. The song, which
will feature on the upcoming album Harakiri, is more reminiscent of
Tankian’s work on 2007â~@²s Elect The Dead and System of a Down’s
later albums Mezmerize and Hypnotize.

Fans hoping for a thoroughly rock-orientated record shouldn’t hold
their breaths though, as Tankian seems keen to tackle a number of
different styles in this latest effort, stating:

“It’s exciting to work on different styles of music because they
allow me to express myself in such different ways. The way I can
project a certain kind of vulnerability – an almost sadness – in a
small section of a symphonic piece is something that I could never
do on a rock record.”

arakiri is presently available for pre-order on the singer’s official
website, and $2 from the sale of each pre-order will be donated to
a non-profit organization to fight global hunger. “Figure It Out” is
available digitally at services including iTunes, Amazon and Spotify,
and for fans that can’t stand watching parodies of businessmen
prancing around with bottles of champagne, a lyric video is also
available on YouTube.

Serj and the rest of his bandmates in System of a Down will also be
performing a handful of US dates in August: 08/02 Philadelphia, PA
– Susquehanna Bank Center 08/04 Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
08/05 Wantagh, NY – Nikon at Jones Beach Theater 08/07 Washington,
DC – Verizon Center Arena 08/09 Boston, MA – Comcast Center 08/11
Montreal, QC – Heavy Metal Festival Parterre @ Parc Jean Drapeau 08/12
Toronto, ON – Heavy Metal Festival Downsview Park 08/14 Detroit, MI –
DTE Energy Amphitheater 08/15 Chicago, IL – Allstate Arena

CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS ADDRESSED THE SCHOOL GRADUATES A BLESSING SPEECH

ARMENPRESS
25 May, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, MAY 25, ARMENPRESS: His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of
All Armenians, sent a congratulatory message to the graduates on the
occasion of the school leaving.

The information center of Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin informed
Armenpress, the message runs as follows:

‘~R Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin congratulates all the graduates,
educational institutions, teachers on the occasion of the school
leaving. Today you filled with dreams, hopes are stepping another
thresh hold. No matter where those new paths will lead you let the
God guard and assist you to realize your cherished dreams.

Our Lord Jesus Christ says: “I have loved you, remain determined in
my love(Hovhannes 15.9). Remain faithful to the call of our Lord;
keep the faith, love, belief and compatriotism in your hearts, in
order to bring benefit to our nation and the country.

Let the God grant you happiness, bless you and your life.

THE LAST CLOSED BORDER IN EUROPE: PHOTOS

ARMENPRESS

19:06, 25 May, 2012

YEREVAN, MAY 25, ARMENPRESS: Border is never calm. This is an
expression of a person, who is responsible for the defense of 120 km
section of the Armenian-Turkish border. Commander of Armavir frontier
detachment Alexander Zlobin is presenting the situation in the section
entrusted to him with calmness typical of an experienced border guard.

The commander’s confidence, in all appearances, comes from the rich
history of the frontier detachment of Armavir: it was founded still
in 1924 and has given 3 soviet heroes throughout its history.

Today, too, our border guards continue the traditions of their hero
grandfathers. From 1943 up today about 900 persons, trespassed the
border of the above-mentioned section, have been arrested: local
residents show support to the border gourds in this issue.

“Our main goal is to secure the protection of interests of Armenia and
Russia in the sphere of border defence,” said Alexander Zobkin. He
informed that in Armavir section of Armenian-Turkish border during
this year has been recorded one case of border infringement and three
cases of border regime violation. To fulfill their tasks Russian
border guards also cooperate with province authorities of Armenia.

Processes of rearrangement and updating are currently underway in
the frontier services of Armenia and Russia. “The staff is being
replenished, and the buildings — reconstructed,” said Zlobin.

He noted that last year two border turnpikes of the Armenian-Turkish
border were reequipped, and this year — one. Zlobin also stressed
that they strive to replenish the frontier forces with contractual
servicemen mostly, who are mainly Armenian citizens. “This year’s
replenishments will give an opportunity to enhance the border defense
process,” he said.

The frontier guards, conscientiously fulfilling their duty, live
with an ordinary life too. Their children attend the nearby school
and kindergarten. The detachment also has its own museum; here the
glorious history of the detachment is presented.

May 28 marks the Border Guards Day. “Armenpress” news agency staff
joins all congratulations.

Find more photos here.

BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE ANCA 2012 TELETHON
BY PATTYL APOSHIAN-KASPARIAN

asbarez
Friday, May 25th, 2012

Volunteers hard at work during the ANCA 2012 Telethon (photo by
Nora Yacoubian)

There’s an adage that says Washington is run by a bunch of
20-somethings. Washington is a city of timeless buildings and
seasoned politicians but we know for certain that there is an army
of young talent responsible for much of Washington’s day-to-day
operations. Bright and fresh out of grad school, young staffers and
interns are there to learn. And Washington is eager to teach and
prepare its future leaders.

The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) shares a similar
blue print.

The ANCA is developing talent to drive and advance the Armenian Cause
in a global society and the ANCA Endowment Fund Telethon serves as
the perfect example.

Average Age: 22

Average Volunteer Hours a week: 30

I feel fortunate to be surrounded by exemplary leaders and role models
as well as passionate activists from all walks of life who embrace
activism in every aspect of their academic and professional lives. As
a past intern and current ANC-WR Board Member, I spend a great deal
of time telling the ANCA story and sharing what drives our excellence.

In short, I say, it is our people. It is our grassroots and the
ongoing dedication to advance the Armenian Cause- locally, nationally
and throughout the world.

For most, the Telethon’s goal was two-fold- fundraising and messaging.

However, behind the scenes interaction painted a different picture-one
which serves more as a long term theme. The Telethon abetted to evolve
and engage supporters, activists, donors and volunteers as it is this
mix of extraordinary talent which serves as our natural advantage.

Given time constraints, no short cuts were taken when it came to
explaining the process. No matter how busy we were, time was taken to
answer questions and explain why certain decisions were made. Instead
of saying, “just do it,”-I heard, “Here’s the background and the
current situation. Can you handle it?”

To some, this may seem like a trivial operation. However, to the
active, vibrant and eager volunteer, it reinforces their role in our
organization and allows them to take ownership of our mission.

During this phase of my life, I’m divided amongst several categories.

I’m not in the 20-something group anymore. But I’m not in the seasoned
leadership either. Hence, I have the opportunity to participate on
all levels. I can teach novice activists all the while advance and
develop my skills.

Additionally, our organization operates with no barriers to
collaboration. We encourage volunteers to learn from donors and
donors to partner with activists as new direction comes from the
interface of these different relationships. We all did work we had to
do-from strategizing to planning to meeting with corporate sponsors
to organizing launch parties to writing articles to presenting at
local schools and youth centers to buying cookies and erecting signs
and hanging balloons- we did it. And, we did it well.

Thousands of emails, hundreds of meetings and countless supporters
contributed to the success of this telethon. Emails from 5:50
a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Multi-hour meetings. Skype. Conference calls. From
Washington D.C. to Los Angeles. From Las Vegas to Chicago. Donations
and pledges came from all over the nation. It became contagious as
actions produced results. Every request came to fruition and every
interaction turned into a powerful learning experience.

Excellence has a multiplier effect. I am confident that the success
surrounding the 2012 Telethon will carry our dedication and passion
to higher levels.

To every supporter, we thank you for your confidence and trust.

To every volunteer, we applaud you for your commitment.

To our new supporters and friends, we welcome you with open arms.

To our leaders, we commend you for entrusting the 20-somethings and
30-somethings with a seat at the table and giving us the opportunity
to direct, learn and develop under the ANCA vision.

Trend, Azerbaijan
May 26 2012

Former special representative: EU has great potential for mediation in
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement

Azerbaijan, Baku, May 26 / Trend /

The European Union has a great potential for mediation in the
settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, former EU Special
Representative for the South Caucasus Peter Semneby said, News-Armenia
reported on Saturday.

“When I was EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, I stood
for the EU to take a more active role in resolving the conflicts,”
Semneby said during the international conference “Caucasus -2011
“organized by the Caucasus Institute. “There is a great potential to
seriously deal with the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.”

He said that the EU’s mediation must be implemented to support the
OSCE Minsk Group, rather than to compete with it.
Semneby stressed that the relative calm in the conflict zone does not
guarantee a similar situation in the future.

“The fact that it is more or less quiet in the conflict zone now does
not mean that it will be so over the next decade,” he said.
The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988
when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian
armed forces have occupied 20 per cent of Azerbaijan since 1992,
including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The
co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group – Russia, France and the U.S. – are
currently holding peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented the U.N. Security Council’s four
resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the
surrounding regions.

Arab Times, Kuwait
May 26 2012

Azeri Rights Row Drowns Out Eurovision
Some Buildings In Centre At Baku Torn Down

BAKU, May 25, (RTRS): Tens of millions of television viewers will tune
into Europe’s annual pop music contest in the former Soviet republic
of Azerbaijan this weekend, but a war of words over human rights may
drown out the singing, self-promotion and kitschy costumes.

Hundreds of excited Eurovision Song Contest fans have already arrived
in the oil-rich Azeri capital of Baku, which has undergone a $60
million facelift in preparation for the event with a shiny new
23,000-seat rectangular Crystal Hall on the shores of the Caspian Sea
at the centre of the celebrations.

`People are very friendly in Azerbaijan and food is fantastic. We
enjoy being here and we love Eurovision,’ said Dmitry, a 19-year-old
flag-draped fan from Moldova, accompanied by new Azeri friends.

The multi-purpose Crystal Hall arena was built by a German firm in
eight months for an undisclosed sum of money.

But human rights groups say some buildings in the centre of Baku were
specifically torn down with the song contest in mind and that the
forced eviction of residents, especially in areas around the Crystal
Hall, casts a shadow over the event.

Azerbaijan won the right to host the annual contest last year in
Germany with the victory of its entry, the love song `Running Scared’,
from Eldar Gasimov and Nigar Jamal, better known as Ell/Nikki.

It is the fifth former Soviet republic after Estonia, Latvia, Ukraine
and Russia and the second Muslim country after Turkey to host the
event.

Trained
In preparation, Azerbaijan has trained thousands of police, temporary
staff and volunteers in basic foreign language skills to welcome
contest participants and cope with the thousands of fans arriving from
around Europe.

`I have been trained for a few months and can speak basic English
now,’ said Elchin Guluzade, a 43-year-old taxi driver, who drives one
of the dozens of cabs bought ahead of the event.

Taxis as well as buses and streets of the capital Baku are decorated
with Eurovision emblems and the slogan `Light your fire!’ Locals and
guests stroll around in Azeri national colours of red and green as
well as blue Eurovision t-shirts and caps.

`I think that many more people will learn about our beautiful country
after Eurovision and many more will come to see it,’ 19-year-old
student Sabina Mehdiyeva said, adding her voice to many Baku residents
who welcomed the contest.

Despite the effort to highlight progress that the oil-producing nation
of nine million people has made since independence in 1991, critics of
President Ilham Aliyev’s government have taken the opportunity to air
allegations of human rights abuses.

Succeeded

Critics accuse Aliyev, who in 2003 succeeded his father to the
presidency of the Caspian Sea country north of Iran, of clamping down
on dissent, but Baku says the country enjoys full freedom of speech
and a vibrant opposition press.

Dozens of peaceful protesters were arrested this month in central Baku
during rallies and marches demanding democracy and the resignation of
the government.

`A stern crackdown of freedom of expression, dissent, NGOs, critical
journalists, in fact anyone who criticises the Aliyev regime too
strongly, and we’ve seen this continue right up until the Eurovision
Song Contest,’ Amnesty International Europe and Central Asia director
John Dalhuisen told Reuters.

But senior Azeri officials responded to allegations by calling them
`anti-Azeri propaganda.’

`Their conclusions do not correspond with reality’, said Ali Hasanov,
head of the public and political issues department at the presidential
administration.

The government is also under fire from Islamic figures as well who
object to the Eurovision pageant. Senior Iranian cleric Ayatollah
Sobhani has issued a statement urging Muslims in the region to protest
what he described as `anti-Islamic behaviour’.
The song contest, which is a major showbusiness event in many
participating countries, has also been marred by the decision of
Armenia to pull out of the contest this month.

Tensions

The move underscored tensions over Nagorno-Karabakh, a mainly
Armenian-populated enclave inside Azerbaijan which Armenian forces
seized control of after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

In the contest itself, 10 countries out of 18 have already qualified
in the first Eurovision semi-final this week, while 10 more will be
selected on Thursday to participate in the grand final on Saturday
night.

Six more participants, including Azerbaijan, are already included in
the final without participating in semi-finals.

Eurovision, which draws more than 100 million viewers almost every
year, parades a wide array of musical styles in original songs, mostly
from relatively unknown artists.

List of participants this year includes Russian rural folk group
`Buranovskiye Babushki’ (Grannies from Buranovo), septuagenarian
British crooner Engelbert Humperdinck and eccentric pop duo Jedward –
twins from Ireland, much beloved by teenagers in Europe.

Russian grannies and 28-year-old Swedish diva Loreen are regarded by
bookmakers as top rivals ahead in the final.
Buranovskiye Babushki, clad in the traditional red headscarfs and long
dresses of their Russian northern region of Udmurtia, stomping feet
shod in tree bark shoes and urging the audience to dance, were a hit
at this week’s semi-finals.
Loreen is still to perform her emotional `Euphoria’ song in the second
semi-final on Thursday.

PolicyMic
May 26 2012

Davos-Like Political Forum in Istanbul Highlights Turkey’s Growing Clout

by Alisa Balakishiyeva

Last week became remarkable for Turkey as its capital hosted the
second annual World Political Forum where global political issues were
discussed by delegations from 56 countries. By creating a Davos-like
event, Istanbul aims to be the world’s newest financial and political
center.

Democratization process in Arab countries, international security
issues, regional powers and conflict resolutions were discussed in a
two-day forum. A member of the British Parliament, Denis MacShane,
while speaking at the forum’s opening ceremony, mentioned Turkey’s
geostrategic importance. He said that the world is “moving east” and
that Istanbul will be a new center of the world.

Ahmed Harara, a blind hero of Egyptian revolution, and Time magazine
Person of the Year talked about the current situation of Egypt and
democracy in the Arab World. Harara said, `Mubarak held on to fear for
30 years, and his reach continues into today. We want freedom, as we
always have. But the military and other powers continue to work
against that.’

As the forum was held in Istanbul, speakers and organizers sought to
underline Turkey’s growing importance in economic and political issues
around the globe. One of the most heated debates was the conflict
between Iran and Israel and interestingly there was not an official
delegation from Iran. Professor of International Relations at Harvard
University, Stephen Walt, suggested that if the U.S. wants to prevent
Iran from building a nuclear weapon first of all they should stop
threatening Iran with “regime change.”

He also added that the U.S. and Israel are bluffing and they are not
going to attack Iran, although he said that we all had witnessed some
`quite inadequate’ decisions by leaders such as the invasion of Iraq.
Former U.S. Undersecretary of Defense Dov Zakheim and journalist
Stephen Kinzer admitted that the problem is getting worse and Turkey
as a regional power and mediator could be the country that can make
efforts to bring the two sides together.

Other regional problems also were discussed during the forum, and one
of them was a Nagorno-Karabakh problem between Armenia and Azerbaijan
and the competition for supremacy in the Caucasus.

Oil-rich Azerbaijan is playing an important role for the West, but a
frozen conflict of over 20% of Azerbaijani territories occupied by
Armenia has remained unresolved for more than 20 years. Chief of the
Political Analysis and Information Department of Administration of the
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Elnur Aslanov, mentioned
neighboring Iran’s “attempts to pursue its ideological policies’ and a
deterioration in bilateral relations between Iran and Azerbaijan due
to Iran’s religious propaganda in Azerbaijan.

He also spoke about Russia’s responsibilities in the issue and
mentioned that in recent years Russia has initiated numerous
trilateral meetings between Armenia and Azerbaijan. On the other hand
Yossef Bodansky, director of the International Strategic Studies
Association in the U.S., said that Azerbaijan is the country which can
both gain lose the most out of this political game, therefore
Azerbaijan should seek for alternative solutions and in this case it
should find ways to negotiate with Russia and should not wait for the
support from the United States.

The idea to bring together politicians and scholars was successfully
conducted in the second World Political Forum. As the head of the
forum, Ahmet Eyup Ezguch mentioned that in a few years they could
easily compete with the main economical annual event of the The World
Economic Forum in Davos.

Interfax, Russia
May 24 2012

Armenia plans to export meat to Russia

MOSCOW. May 24

Armenia plans to export meat products to Russia.

Russia’s agricultural watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor reported that
Armenia’s trade representative in Russia Karen Asoyan had requested
the inspection of Armenian meat processing companies interested in
exporting to Russia and other Customs Union markets. The inspections
can only be carried out after obtaining information from the Armenian
veterinary service about the epizootic situation in the country and
specific information about the import of meat to Armenia and a
description of cargo tracking systems, the service said.

Asoyan praised cooperation with Rosselkhoznadzor in the organization
of Armenian dairy product imports to the Russian market. Imports were
resumed in April 2010 and since then the Russian service has not had
concerns.

Overall with regard all types of animal origin products allowed to be
imported to Russia, only one violation was recorded in 2011.
Asoyan told Rosselkhoznadzor about the establishment of a new
government structure in Armenia – the Agriculture Ministry State Food
Safety Service. It monitors food safety form the field to the counter,
he said.
me

Chicago Daily Herald, IL
May 24, 2012 Thursday

School transforms gym into museum

By Taylor Goldenstein

Seventh graders at Millburn Central School put away the play things in
their gymnasium this month – the climbing wall, Ping-Pong tables and
strength ropes – to create a public museum on something very serious:
genocides.

Students spent nearly a month working in groups to fill the room with
displays ranging from the Holocaust to the Nanking Massacre to Darfur.
Students called the project “the biggest of the year.”

“It was hard, but it was really fun to do it because you got to work
with your friends to see their ideas, but it was also kind of sad to
learn about all the deaths that happened at the time,” said Angela
Lee, 13. “It was shocking and sad; you wonder, `What would it be like
if I was really there?'”

Started five years ago by social studies teacher Dave Schroeder, the
museum has become almost a rite of passage for students.
Schroeder said there were doubts as to whether it would be continued
this year, but students created a petition showing their strong desire
to stage the exhibit again.

“I remember I would always look forward to it because my sister is
older than me and she would do it,” said Olivia Jensen, 13.
The museum, which has been open since May 9, closed Wednesday.
Students presented their displays to about 150 other students, parents
and community members during that time.

Displays included dioramas, tri-fold posters, power point
presentations, a life-size replica of Kristallnacht, a night of
anti-Jewish attacks at the start of the Holocaust. There were also
recorded “interviews,” in which students pretended to interview
survivors, and a tribute to World War II veterans.

The unit began with students learning about the Holocaust, and later
explored other genocides. Two guest speakers talked about their
relatives’ experiences surviving the Holocaust and Armenian genocide
and a guest speaker scheduled for Friday is a survivor of the Rwandan
genocide.

“I think it’s good for them to see faces, to have that human side of
it – not just the research, the academic part,” Schroeder said.
Parent and Air Force Reserve Capt. Julie Richey is in the same
military unit as Schroeder, said his experience has shaped his
educational mission.

“Mr. Schroeder’s interest in social studies is punctuated by his
service with the U.S. Navy Reserve and his desire to spark student
interest in American history and our worldwide peacekeeping role,”
Richey said.

Schroeder said he plans to continue the project, given the student
response this year.
“I always tell the students … I hope for the sake of their
generation and the next generation that we don’t have to add to this
memorial,” he said.

“Darfur is still going on currently. They get it when I say that.”