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Movsesian, Morgenthau Offer Moving Remarks at ANCA-ER Salute to Civic Activism
By Contributor on January 8, 2015
Morgenthau: 'The world has paid a heavy price for not paying attention
to the Armenian Genocide.'
NEW YORK--Lifelong humanitarian Alice Movsesian and famed human rights
defender Robert Morgenthau and the Morgenthau family were honored by
Armenian-American community leaders and activists from throughout the
New York metropolitan area, southern states, and the Midwest at the
Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Eastern Region 8th
Annual Banquet held on Dec. 7 at the Ritz-Carlton Battery Park in New
York.
Alice Movsesian receiving the Cardashian Award
The evening was a tribute to the growing voice of Armenian Americans
in the civic arena, with elected officials and community stalwarts
emphasizing the key role the ANCA and its grassroots network play in
representing Armenians' views on core concerns, ranging from justice
for the Armenian Genocide, an independent Artsakh, a strong,
prosperous, and democratic Armenia, to support for Armenians in the
Middle East.
(L-R) Robert Morgenthau receiving the Freedom Award on behalf of the
Morgenthau family from Dr. Garo Nazarian
"One of our greatest strengths lies in the diversity of our ANCA
supporters. We are here in this room with quite the mix: varying ages,
different political and economic backgrounds, and hail from different
countries," said the evening's master of ceremonies, Dr. Garo
Nazarian, a prominent member of New York community with a long track
record of humanitarian efforts in Armenia. "Collectively we make the
ANCA an incredible organization. We can foster an environment in which
each individual matters, every story is read, and every voice is
heard. This all contributes to the long-term success of the Armenian
National Committee of America."
Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone cited the need
for continued activism by the Armenian community, especially in
educating the new Members of Congress about the Armenian Cause. "I
want to urge you to continue to be involved, not only in the way you
are tonight but also financially, in terms of petitions, writing
letters, coming down to Washington and meeting with your
Representatives. The fact that Armenia is in a hostile neighborhood is
still very true. The biggest concern now is the continued aggression
from Azerbaijan, not only aggressive statements, but aggressive
actions."
ANCA Freedom Award honoree Robert Morgenthau: Third generation of a
legendary family
Shant Mardirossian, the chairman of the Board of the Near East
Foundation, offered a moving introduction of ANCA Eastern Region
Freedom Award recipient Robert Morgenthau and the Morgenthau family
for their decades-long efforts to raise the public's awareness of the
atrocities of the Armenian Genocide.
"The name 'Morgenthau' is synonymous with 'public service,'"
Mardirossian stated in his remarks. "In searching the ledgers of New
York City history or, indeed, American history, one is hard pressed to
find a family that better embodies a commitment to social justice. The
Morgenthau family has garnered accolades, inspired debates, and fueled
discussions for generations. They have been at the center of global
and local social change for over a century. In that time they have
impacted and saved countless lives."
Morgenthau came up to the podium to a standing ovation and warmly
greeted those in attendance. His speech was marked by enthusiasm and
eloquence. "This award is particularly meaningful because of the
upcoming anniversary of the Armenian Genocide," began Morgenthau. "I
know my grandfather would also have been proud that you have asked me
to be with you tonight. It demonstrates once again that Armenians do
not forget their friends, even until the third generation."
"It is important to understand that the world has paid a heavy price
for not paying attention to the Armenian Genocide," Morgenthau added.
"If there had been a greater outcry and condemnation of the Armenian
Genocide, perhaps Hitler would not have proceeded with his plan to
kill the Poles and the Jews in the land that he intended to occupy."
Robert Morgenthau was born in New York City in 1919 into a highly
regarded political family. His grandfather, Henry Morgenthau, Sr., was
the United States ambassador serving in the Ottoman Empire during
World War I and is regarded as the most prominent contemporary
American politician to speak against the Armenian Genocide. A lawyer
by training, Robert Morgenthau continued his family's tradition of
public service, serving as district attorney of New York's Manhattan
Borough from 1975 to 2009, making him the second longest-serving
district attorney in United States history.
(L-R) ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian, Sue Aramian, ANCA
Chairman Kenneth Hachikian, and Gloria Hachikian
http://armenianweekly.com/2015/01/08/movsesian-morgenthau-offer-moving-remarks-anca-er-salute-civic-activism/
By Contributor on January 8, 2015
Morgenthau: 'The world has paid a heavy price for not paying attention
to the Armenian Genocide.'
NEW YORK--Lifelong humanitarian Alice Movsesian and famed human rights
defender Robert Morgenthau and the Morgenthau family were honored by
Armenian-American community leaders and activists from throughout the
New York metropolitan area, southern states, and the Midwest at the
Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Eastern Region 8th
Annual Banquet held on Dec. 7 at the Ritz-Carlton Battery Park in New
York.
Alice Movsesian receiving the Cardashian Award
The evening was a tribute to the growing voice of Armenian Americans
in the civic arena, with elected officials and community stalwarts
emphasizing the key role the ANCA and its grassroots network play in
representing Armenians' views on core concerns, ranging from justice
for the Armenian Genocide, an independent Artsakh, a strong,
prosperous, and democratic Armenia, to support for Armenians in the
Middle East.
(L-R) Robert Morgenthau receiving the Freedom Award on behalf of the
Morgenthau family from Dr. Garo Nazarian
"One of our greatest strengths lies in the diversity of our ANCA
supporters. We are here in this room with quite the mix: varying ages,
different political and economic backgrounds, and hail from different
countries," said the evening's master of ceremonies, Dr. Garo
Nazarian, a prominent member of New York community with a long track
record of humanitarian efforts in Armenia. "Collectively we make the
ANCA an incredible organization. We can foster an environment in which
each individual matters, every story is read, and every voice is
heard. This all contributes to the long-term success of the Armenian
National Committee of America."
Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone cited the need
for continued activism by the Armenian community, especially in
educating the new Members of Congress about the Armenian Cause. "I
want to urge you to continue to be involved, not only in the way you
are tonight but also financially, in terms of petitions, writing
letters, coming down to Washington and meeting with your
Representatives. The fact that Armenia is in a hostile neighborhood is
still very true. The biggest concern now is the continued aggression
from Azerbaijan, not only aggressive statements, but aggressive
actions."
ANCA Freedom Award honoree Robert Morgenthau: Third generation of a
legendary family
Shant Mardirossian, the chairman of the Board of the Near East
Foundation, offered a moving introduction of ANCA Eastern Region
Freedom Award recipient Robert Morgenthau and the Morgenthau family
for their decades-long efforts to raise the public's awareness of the
atrocities of the Armenian Genocide.
"The name 'Morgenthau' is synonymous with 'public service,'"
Mardirossian stated in his remarks. "In searching the ledgers of New
York City history or, indeed, American history, one is hard pressed to
find a family that better embodies a commitment to social justice. The
Morgenthau family has garnered accolades, inspired debates, and fueled
discussions for generations. They have been at the center of global
and local social change for over a century. In that time they have
impacted and saved countless lives."
Morgenthau came up to the podium to a standing ovation and warmly
greeted those in attendance. His speech was marked by enthusiasm and
eloquence. "This award is particularly meaningful because of the
upcoming anniversary of the Armenian Genocide," began Morgenthau. "I
know my grandfather would also have been proud that you have asked me
to be with you tonight. It demonstrates once again that Armenians do
not forget their friends, even until the third generation."
"It is important to understand that the world has paid a heavy price
for not paying attention to the Armenian Genocide," Morgenthau added.
"If there had been a greater outcry and condemnation of the Armenian
Genocide, perhaps Hitler would not have proceeded with his plan to
kill the Poles and the Jews in the land that he intended to occupy."
Robert Morgenthau was born in New York City in 1919 into a highly
regarded political family. His grandfather, Henry Morgenthau, Sr., was
the United States ambassador serving in the Ottoman Empire during
World War I and is regarded as the most prominent contemporary
American politician to speak against the Armenian Genocide. A lawyer
by training, Robert Morgenthau continued his family's tradition of
public service, serving as district attorney of New York's Manhattan
Borough from 1975 to 2009, making him the second longest-serving
district attorney in United States history.
(L-R) ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian, Sue Aramian, ANCA
Chairman Kenneth Hachikian, and Gloria Hachikian
http://armenianweekly.com/2015/01/08/movsesian-morgenthau-offer-moving-remarks-anca-er-salute-civic-activism/