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ARMENIAN GENOCIDE REMEMBERED AT CITY HALL
By Mark Schieldrop
Patch.com
http://cranston.patch.com/articles/flag-raised-to-commemorate-armenian-genocide
April 24 2012
City Hall was the site of remembrance and reflection last night as
the Armenian flag was raised to commemorate the 97th anniversary of
the Armenian Genocide.
More than a million Armenians were systematically killed in the
Armenian Genocide waged by the Ottoman Empire between 1915 and 1923.
Last night, Cranston City Hall wall the site of a remembrance of the
Genocide and the building was filled to capacity as a large crowd
gathered to sing, pray and unite in a collective vow to never forget.
The ceremony was capped with a flag raising.
In an e-mail, Steve Elmasian, chairman of the Armenian National
Committee relayed the following:
The first floor lobby was full beyond capacity as 200 people were
hosted by Mayor Allan Fung as our community commemorated the 97th
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The event began with the singing
of the American and Armenian National Anthems by Joanne Mouradjian
and Debra Pjojian respectively. Elected officials present and speaking
were as follows:
Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian, House Leader Nicholas Mattiello,
State Senator Hanna Gallo and the Hon. Aram Garabedian. Der Hayr
Shnork Souin of St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church
gave a moving message and blessing. Badveli Hagop Manjelikian of the
Armenian Evangelical Church shared his comments as well. Arch Priest
Gomidas Baghsarian of Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church closed
with a message and final prayer.
Two youth from the community, Cory Garabedian and Harout Tashian also
read. Both did admirable jobs representing our future when it comes to
getting the Armenian Genocide it's proper place in the history books.
Mayor Allan Fung shared his thoughts on why we were there at his
city hall and then read a citation to this year's honoree, Mr. Souren
Mouradjian.
Mr. Mouradjian is a World War II veteran who received the Purple Heart
and Bronze Star while serving his nation. He has served in the choir
and as Choir Director at Sts. Vartanantz Church for over 60 years. He
spoke of his own family's adversity during the Genocide where he lost
a number of his own family members.
The Homenetmen Scouts escorted Mayor Fung and Mr. Mouradjian out to
the flag pole where the Armenian flag was once again raised in honor
of our Martyrs while the scouts stood as honor guards at attention
singing Mer Hairenik.
At 4 p.m. today at the Rhode Island State House in the Senate, Arch
Priest Gomidas Baghsarian will give the opening prayer, followed by
the singing of the Armenian National Anthem by Debra Pjojian. The
Honorable Chief Judge of the Family Court, Haiganush Bedrosian,
will share her comments as the Senate reads its annual resolution
recognizing April 24 as Armenian Genocide Day. A similar program will
take place in the House moments later. ALL are encouraged to attend.
The Armenian flag will be flying on the State House and hanging in
from both the Senate and House galleys.
By Mark Schieldrop
Patch.com
http://cranston.patch.com/articles/flag-raised-to-commemorate-armenian-genocide
April 24 2012
City Hall was the site of remembrance and reflection last night as
the Armenian flag was raised to commemorate the 97th anniversary of
the Armenian Genocide.
More than a million Armenians were systematically killed in the
Armenian Genocide waged by the Ottoman Empire between 1915 and 1923.
Last night, Cranston City Hall wall the site of a remembrance of the
Genocide and the building was filled to capacity as a large crowd
gathered to sing, pray and unite in a collective vow to never forget.
The ceremony was capped with a flag raising.
In an e-mail, Steve Elmasian, chairman of the Armenian National
Committee relayed the following:
The first floor lobby was full beyond capacity as 200 people were
hosted by Mayor Allan Fung as our community commemorated the 97th
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The event began with the singing
of the American and Armenian National Anthems by Joanne Mouradjian
and Debra Pjojian respectively. Elected officials present and speaking
were as follows:
Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian, House Leader Nicholas Mattiello,
State Senator Hanna Gallo and the Hon. Aram Garabedian. Der Hayr
Shnork Souin of St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church
gave a moving message and blessing. Badveli Hagop Manjelikian of the
Armenian Evangelical Church shared his comments as well. Arch Priest
Gomidas Baghsarian of Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church closed
with a message and final prayer.
Two youth from the community, Cory Garabedian and Harout Tashian also
read. Both did admirable jobs representing our future when it comes to
getting the Armenian Genocide it's proper place in the history books.
Mayor Allan Fung shared his thoughts on why we were there at his
city hall and then read a citation to this year's honoree, Mr. Souren
Mouradjian.
Mr. Mouradjian is a World War II veteran who received the Purple Heart
and Bronze Star while serving his nation. He has served in the choir
and as Choir Director at Sts. Vartanantz Church for over 60 years. He
spoke of his own family's adversity during the Genocide where he lost
a number of his own family members.
The Homenetmen Scouts escorted Mayor Fung and Mr. Mouradjian out to
the flag pole where the Armenian flag was once again raised in honor
of our Martyrs while the scouts stood as honor guards at attention
singing Mer Hairenik.
At 4 p.m. today at the Rhode Island State House in the Senate, Arch
Priest Gomidas Baghsarian will give the opening prayer, followed by
the singing of the Armenian National Anthem by Debra Pjojian. The
Honorable Chief Judge of the Family Court, Haiganush Bedrosian,
will share her comments as the Senate reads its annual resolution
recognizing April 24 as Armenian Genocide Day. A similar program will
take place in the House moments later. ALL are encouraged to attend.
The Armenian flag will be flying on the State House and hanging in
from both the Senate and House galleys.