DREAMING OF RECOGNITION
By Robert S. Hong
Glendale News Press, CA
April 25 2007
Armenians and others gather at Alex Theatre to mark the 92nd
anniversary of Armenian genocide.
DOWNTOWN – Nearly 1,300 people packed the Alex Theatre Tuesday night
to commemorate the 92nd anniversary of the Armenian genocide with a
program of speakers and music.
The event – which Glendale-based Artists for Kids produced and the city
sponsored – highlighted not only the Armenian genocide, but emphasized
the importance of acknowledging all genocides throughout the world.
"Our efforts are focused not only on the Armenian genocide, but
man’s inhumanity to man throughout the centuries, and what role we
as citizens of a civilized society can play in recognizing the past
and making sure no more occur in the future," Glendale Mayor Ara
Najarian said.
As the lights dimmed over the bustling crowd at the Alex, the Glendale
High School Choir lined up in front of the stage and sang both the
United States and Armenian national anthems.
Najarian took the stage next, welcoming the crowd and explaining
the atrocity of the Armenian genocide and how important it was to
be recognized.
People must be aware of genocide throughout the world and be active
in opposing them, he said.
"Let us stand against genocide whenever committed … and never,
ever let it happen again," he said.
Speakers included documentary filmmaker Martin Kent, whose parents
lived through the Holocaust.
After showing a short clip of his parents discussing the experience,
he explained why it was important for those responsible for genocide
to acknowledge the event.
"[The Turkish government needs to] apologize and somehow try to
make amends if at all possible," he said. "Without this action,
true healing can never take place."
During the genocide, 1.5 million Armenians were murdered by the Ottoman
Empire, speakers said. The Turkish government acknowledges the deaths,
but has yet to accept that they constitute genocide.
Following Kent was keynote speaker Alec Kouyoumdjian, a songwriter.
Kouyoumdjian said that it was the power of denial that kept people
from acknowledging massive wrongdoing such as genocide.
"Denial is a formidable weapon," he said.
The event was interspersed with a variety of songs and entertainment.
"The event is geared toward education for the whole city," said former
City Councilman Rafi Manoukian, who hosted the first commemoration
several years ago.
"I’m happy we’re continuing this tradition. It’s very significant to
the community."
Many Glendale residents and others who came to see the event agreed
that the genocide should be remembered
"This kind of event is very important for Armenians – for each and
every single Armenian family," said Glendale resident Seta Simonian,
whose son Sebu sang at the commemoration.
All Armenian people have someone related to them who was directly
impacted by the genocide, she said.
"This trauma, this tragedy has lived with us for decades and we are not
able to forget it," she said. "I hope one day justice will prevail."
Glendale resident Anashe Hakopian also attended the event and said
it signified the shared experience Armenian people hold because of
the genocide.
"This is an important gathering, where Armenians come together and
show who we are and who we have become," she said. "They cannot break
us up. No matter what, we are still together."
The event will be rebroadcast on Government Access Channel GTV6.