ANC Holds Genocide Commemoration in Lowell
Armenian Weekly
Sat, May 1 2010
By: Tom Vartabedian
LOWELL, Mass. – `Let our united voices be heard!’
Such was the theme of Armenian genocide observances conducted by the
Armenian National Committee of Merrimack Valley before a gathering of
area churches and organizations in this once-prominent mill community
where immigrants once planted their roots.
Children gather around a Tricolor during a flag-raising ceremony at
Lowell City Hall in observance of the 95th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide.
The pan-Armenian event April 24 honored the memory of 1.5 million
victims who perished at the hands of the Ottoman Turks during the
first genocide of the 20th Century.
In his message, Dro Kanayan called upon genocidal education in our
public schools as being pivotal in securing proper recognition.
`A crime ignored is a crime encouraged,’ said the grandson of a famed
revolutionary general by the same name. `International recognition of
the genocide allows people to have closure on events that shaped their
lives and begin the healing process.’
Kanayan outlined visits made to six area high schools in addressing
student populations on the Armenian genocide, many of which have
received only a smattering of knowledge.
As chairman of the Armenian Genocide Education Committee of Merrimack
Valley, members have made vast inroads toward adopting a curriculum
under the banner of Facing History and Ourselves. In most every case,
schools have requested a follow-up panel discussion with Armenia
joined by a Holocaust survivor as well as Cambodia and Rwanda. Those
plans are in the works.
`By educating our students today, hopefully they will be able to set
policies and structure to deal with countries like Turkey that have
committed genocide,’ he added. `Perhaps someday, Turkey will be
transformed and restore the many churches, heritage and patrimony of
Armenians who lived on their historic lands.’
The commemoration featured young speakers, politicians, a downtown
march led by the color guard from the Lowell Armenian-American
Veterans, proclamation, and flag-raising ceremony.
Members of the Sam Manoian Post led an entourage of 100 participants,
including children holding banners from the various churches. All
sectors of community life were represented.
Mayor James Milinazzo presented a proclamation, reflecting upon the
immigrants of his city who fled persecution and settled in the
district, enriching the American heritage with their culture,
education, arts and sciences.
`The Armenian community became an asset to the growth of the Lowell
economic and social fabric through hard work and strong family
values,’ he told the crowd. `Their devotion to a free society, healthy
religious values and strong civic pride makes them a people to be
admired.’
City messages were also rendered by former mayors Eileen Donahue, Rita
Mercier and Bud Caulfield, each of whom showered considerable praise
upon the burgeoning Armenian community.
Sevan Dulgarian, a member of the Boston AYF, presented a school essay
she had written on her family’s Armenian history which gained
considerable merit among students and instructors at Bedford High
School, where she is a freshman.
Katie Berberian, a member of the Sts. Vartanantz Church ACYOA, also
represented her youth organization with diligence.
`It makes me a stronger, more caring person knowing that my
great-grandparents have to endure such conditions,’ she said. `I am
living proof that the Ottoman Turks were not successful with their
evil plan. We need to keep our homeland close to our hearts by being
involved with the Armenian community in the hope that the Armenian
genocide will be acknowledged by the United States and other countries
who are in denial.’
Prayers were offered by the Rev. Khachatur Kesablyan, pastor, Sts.
Vartanantz Church; Rev. Karekin Bedourian, a newly-ordained priest
from Watertown, and Rev. Dr. Ara Heghinian, pastor, Ararat
Congregational Church, Salem, NH.
Other groups taking part were the North Andover AYF, ARS chapters of
Lowell and Merrimack Valley, Lowell ARF, Church at Hye Point, St.
Gregory Church of North Andover, and Arakadz Lodge, Knights of Vartan.
A reception followed inside City Hall where Ara Jeknavorian and Harry
Alexanian of the Ani Ensemble performed music suitable for the
occasion.
ANC members were responsible for getting sizeable advertisements
published in The Lowell Sun, Lawrence Eagle-Tribune and Nashua, NH,
Telegraph calling for an end to Turkey’s gag rule on the United States
and a push toward passage of House Resolution 252.
Funding for the $3,500 project was provided through community solicitations.