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BANQUET BENEFITS SAN FRANCISCO'S MOUNT DAVIDSON CROSS
Friday, February 14th, 2014
A Genocide commemoration event at Mr. Davidson
SAN FRANCISCO--The Council of Armenian American Organizations of
Northern California (CAAONC), owner of the Mount Davidson cross
in San Francisco, hosted a banquet on Saturday, February 1 at the
Saroyan Hall. The purpose was to benefit the Mount Davidson Cross, the
tallest Armenian Genocide Memorial in the world. CAAONC is comprised
of all of the churches and organizations of Northern California and
maintains, protects and preserves the Cross. The evening included
a musical presentation by the Mazamanian Family, a keynote speaker
Professor Ayda Erbal, Guest of Honor Archbishop Aris Shirvanian of
the Jerusalem Patriarchate, a silent auction and dinner.
The evening began with welcoming remarks from the Chairman of
the Council, Chuck Paskerian. In his remarks were updates from the
council regarding the website, a promotional video, a new partnership
with San Francisco Travel, inclusion in tourist guidebooks, power
considerations, and the recently added link on the website for online
donations. Paskerian then introduced the Banquet Chair and MC for
the evening Judy Jingirian. Jingirian graciously thanked all the
individuals that were involved from the very beginning, the founding
members, as well as other individuals that devoted their time to make
the purchase of the Cross a reality.
The talented Mazmanian Family Musical Ensemble captured the audience's
attention with their delightful performance. Greg, Ida, Eddy and Rose
played melodies from Anoosh Opera, Dance of the Spirit, Fisherman of
Sevan and Lezginka.
Keynote speaker Ayda Erbal, Adjunct Professor at New York
University, Department of Politics, who teaches Middle Eastern
Politics, spoke about Turkey's ongoing denial of the Genocide,
the Turkish Intellectuals' "Apology" campaign, and the odd story
of the life and death of a monument in Kars. Professor Erbal set
out the criteria for an apology: a clear explanation of offense,
expression of shame, guilt, humility, sincerity, intention not to
commit offense again, and reparations to the offended party. The
Turkish Intellectuals'apology met none of these criteria. She tied
the apology campaign to contradictions in actions by the Turks,
who on the one hand, built a monument to honor their (imaginary)
genocide, on the other hand built a Friendship Monument, symbolizing
friendship between Turks and Armenians, near the border of Armenia in
Kars. The friendship monument was rightfully demolished as a result
of internal Turkish politics. In conclusion, there must be a clear
and proper apology to start the process of recognition.
Guest of Honor Archbishop Aris Shirvanian, Director of Ecumenical and
Foreign Relations at the Armenian Apostolic Patriarchate of Jerusalem,
was instrumental in the purchase of the cross in 1997, during which
time he served as Pastor for St. John's Armenian Apostolic Church
of San Francisco. In his message, he shared his experiences on how
the Bay Area Armenian community jumped at the opportunity to purchase
and save the historical cross and re-dedicate it as a memorial to the
million and half victims of the Armenian Genocide. At the Patriarchate
in Jeruselum, he has been working with the local Armenian community
to press the Armenian Cause in Israel. Thanks to their efforts, last
year almost all representatives of political parties in the Israeli
Knesset unanimously condemned the Genocide of the Armenians, urging
their government to officially recognize it. Echoing Professor Erbal's
message on proper elements of an apology, Archbishop Aris encouraged
all Armenians to work together towards not only recognition, but
also reparations.
The Cross at Mt. Davidsom
Brief History of Mount Davidson Cross: A SF Historical Landmark Set
on the highest peak overlooking San Francisco stands a majestic cross,
at 103 feet tall, it is visible to much of the city. The history of the
cross goes back to 1923 when a small wooden cross was used on the site
for Easter Sunrise services. In 1933, during the depression, Margaret
May Morgan, the first woman to sit on the SF Board of Supervisors,
along with other members of the Easter Sunrise Committee, solicited
$1 contributions to build a concrete cross.
On March 25, 1934, one week before Easter, President Franklin D.
Roosevelt, pressed a golden telegraph key in Washington DC to light up
the cross, where an audience 50,000 Bay Area residents were gathered
to witness this historical event. The lights became a Christmas and
Easter week tradition for the city of San Francisco for many years.
In 1941, when attendance at Easter sunrise services had reached to
over 75,000, the city of San Francisco purchased 38 acres surrounding
the cross to form a public park. During the Korean War, a soldier
wrote that his last view leaving the US, was the illuminated cross.
In 1991, several organizations sued San Francisco for having a cross
standing on land owned by the city, and several court battles ensued.
Forced by the courts to either privatize or remove the cross
altogether, the city decided to put it up for auction. On July 12,
1997, the Council of Armenian American Organizations of Northern
California (CAAONC), outbid other groups and purchased the cross.
The purchase of the cross was unanimously approved by the SF Board
of Supervisors. On November 4, 1997 over 68% of San Francisco voters
cast their ballots in favor of Proposition F, finalizing the sale
to the CAAONC which became the legal owner. For over 90 years the
Mount Davidson Cross has been a San Francisco Historical Landmark,
and a symbol of unity of different faiths as they have gathered at
Easter Sunrise services for 90 consecutive years.
For Armenians, it memorializes the first Genocide of the 20th century,
and the 1.5 million Armenians, living on their ancestral lands, who
perished at the hands of the Ottoman Turks. The memorial also serves
as a memorial to All Crimes against Humanity.
The 103 foot cross is the tallest Armenian Genocide Memorial in the
world. The CAAONC preserves, protects and maintains this site for
all San Francisco Bay Area residents and its tourists.
It is an oasis of open space, a forest in the middle of an urban
environment of one of the densest cities in California. One can enjoy
some of the best views of San Francisco from the top of Mount Davidson.
Mt. Davidson via the SF Travel Bureau
Partnerships and Events
San Francisco Travel Partners Mount Davidson Landmark Park and Cross
is proud to be affiliated with San Francisco Travel, which serves as
the official San Francisco convention and visitors bureau, we are one
of 1500 partners, through this agency CAAONC is able to promote visits
to the beautiful Mount Davidson Landmark Park and Cross with use of
its website and brochure distribution at the Visitors Information
Center and at the Moscone Convention Center, downtown San Francisco.
Annual Easter Sunrise Service The Easter Sunrise service has been a
San Francisco tradition for over 90 years. Non-denominational sunrise
services take place at the cross with local clergy. Last year Community
leaders invited to take part in Easter Sunrise 2013 included SF Fire
Chief Joanne Hayes-White and SF Mayor Edwin M. Lee. The program also
featured an SF Firefighters Honor Guard and musical performances by
Calvary Hill Community Gospel Choir, Lynne Miller of The House of
Bagpipes and The Salvation Army Brass Ensemble, which started the
morning off with a Sunrise Prelude at 6:50 a.m.
Council of Armenian American Organizations of Northern California
The Council is composed of dedicated volunteers of the member
organizations, who oversee the preservation and maintenance of the
Mount Davidson Cross.
Member Organizations include in alphabetical order: Ararat Armenian
Society, Armenian-American Citizens' League, Armenian Assembly of
America - Bay Area, Armenian Church Youth Organization - Oakland,
San Francisco and Santa Clara, Chapters, Armenian General Benevolent
Union -Silicon Valley, Armenian General Benevolent Union - Young
Professionals of Northern California, Armenian National Committee -San
Francisco Bay Area Armenian Professional Society - Bay Area, Armenian
Relief Society - Agnouni, Erepouni and Garin Chapters, Armenian
Revolutionary Federation - Krisdapor and Sardarabad Chapters, Armenian
Youth Federation - Rosdom Chapter, Armenian Technology Group, Bethel
Armenian Evangelical Church, Calvary Armenian Congregational Church
- San Francisco, Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational Association,
Homenetmen Scouts and Athletics Organizations - San Francisco, Santa
Clara and Walnut Creek Chapters, Knights of Vartan-Daron Lodge,
NorCal Armenian Home and Senior Services, St.
Andrew Armenian Apostolic Church - Cupertino, St. Gregory Armenian
Apostolic Church - San Francisco, St. James Armenian Apostolic Church -
Sacramento, St. John Armenian Apostolic Church - San Francisco, St.
Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church - Oakland, Tekeyan Cultural
Association, Triple X Fraternity - Golden Gate, Mt. Diablo, Oakland
and Peninsula Chapters, U.C. Berkeley Armenian Alumni Association.
Donations To Support Mount Davidson Cross Mail checks to: CAAONC 825
Brotherhood Way San Francisco, CA 94132
Online Donations: mountdavidsoncross.org/contact.html
http://asbarez.com/119625/banquet-benefits-san-francisco%E2%80%99s-mount-davidson-cross/
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
Friday, February 14th, 2014
A Genocide commemoration event at Mr. Davidson
SAN FRANCISCO--The Council of Armenian American Organizations of
Northern California (CAAONC), owner of the Mount Davidson cross
in San Francisco, hosted a banquet on Saturday, February 1 at the
Saroyan Hall. The purpose was to benefit the Mount Davidson Cross, the
tallest Armenian Genocide Memorial in the world. CAAONC is comprised
of all of the churches and organizations of Northern California and
maintains, protects and preserves the Cross. The evening included
a musical presentation by the Mazamanian Family, a keynote speaker
Professor Ayda Erbal, Guest of Honor Archbishop Aris Shirvanian of
the Jerusalem Patriarchate, a silent auction and dinner.
The evening began with welcoming remarks from the Chairman of
the Council, Chuck Paskerian. In his remarks were updates from the
council regarding the website, a promotional video, a new partnership
with San Francisco Travel, inclusion in tourist guidebooks, power
considerations, and the recently added link on the website for online
donations. Paskerian then introduced the Banquet Chair and MC for
the evening Judy Jingirian. Jingirian graciously thanked all the
individuals that were involved from the very beginning, the founding
members, as well as other individuals that devoted their time to make
the purchase of the Cross a reality.
The talented Mazmanian Family Musical Ensemble captured the audience's
attention with their delightful performance. Greg, Ida, Eddy and Rose
played melodies from Anoosh Opera, Dance of the Spirit, Fisherman of
Sevan and Lezginka.
Keynote speaker Ayda Erbal, Adjunct Professor at New York
University, Department of Politics, who teaches Middle Eastern
Politics, spoke about Turkey's ongoing denial of the Genocide,
the Turkish Intellectuals' "Apology" campaign, and the odd story
of the life and death of a monument in Kars. Professor Erbal set
out the criteria for an apology: a clear explanation of offense,
expression of shame, guilt, humility, sincerity, intention not to
commit offense again, and reparations to the offended party. The
Turkish Intellectuals'apology met none of these criteria. She tied
the apology campaign to contradictions in actions by the Turks,
who on the one hand, built a monument to honor their (imaginary)
genocide, on the other hand built a Friendship Monument, symbolizing
friendship between Turks and Armenians, near the border of Armenia in
Kars. The friendship monument was rightfully demolished as a result
of internal Turkish politics. In conclusion, there must be a clear
and proper apology to start the process of recognition.
Guest of Honor Archbishop Aris Shirvanian, Director of Ecumenical and
Foreign Relations at the Armenian Apostolic Patriarchate of Jerusalem,
was instrumental in the purchase of the cross in 1997, during which
time he served as Pastor for St. John's Armenian Apostolic Church
of San Francisco. In his message, he shared his experiences on how
the Bay Area Armenian community jumped at the opportunity to purchase
and save the historical cross and re-dedicate it as a memorial to the
million and half victims of the Armenian Genocide. At the Patriarchate
in Jeruselum, he has been working with the local Armenian community
to press the Armenian Cause in Israel. Thanks to their efforts, last
year almost all representatives of political parties in the Israeli
Knesset unanimously condemned the Genocide of the Armenians, urging
their government to officially recognize it. Echoing Professor Erbal's
message on proper elements of an apology, Archbishop Aris encouraged
all Armenians to work together towards not only recognition, but
also reparations.
The Cross at Mt. Davidsom
Brief History of Mount Davidson Cross: A SF Historical Landmark Set
on the highest peak overlooking San Francisco stands a majestic cross,
at 103 feet tall, it is visible to much of the city. The history of the
cross goes back to 1923 when a small wooden cross was used on the site
for Easter Sunrise services. In 1933, during the depression, Margaret
May Morgan, the first woman to sit on the SF Board of Supervisors,
along with other members of the Easter Sunrise Committee, solicited
$1 contributions to build a concrete cross.
On March 25, 1934, one week before Easter, President Franklin D.
Roosevelt, pressed a golden telegraph key in Washington DC to light up
the cross, where an audience 50,000 Bay Area residents were gathered
to witness this historical event. The lights became a Christmas and
Easter week tradition for the city of San Francisco for many years.
In 1941, when attendance at Easter sunrise services had reached to
over 75,000, the city of San Francisco purchased 38 acres surrounding
the cross to form a public park. During the Korean War, a soldier
wrote that his last view leaving the US, was the illuminated cross.
In 1991, several organizations sued San Francisco for having a cross
standing on land owned by the city, and several court battles ensued.
Forced by the courts to either privatize or remove the cross
altogether, the city decided to put it up for auction. On July 12,
1997, the Council of Armenian American Organizations of Northern
California (CAAONC), outbid other groups and purchased the cross.
The purchase of the cross was unanimously approved by the SF Board
of Supervisors. On November 4, 1997 over 68% of San Francisco voters
cast their ballots in favor of Proposition F, finalizing the sale
to the CAAONC which became the legal owner. For over 90 years the
Mount Davidson Cross has been a San Francisco Historical Landmark,
and a symbol of unity of different faiths as they have gathered at
Easter Sunrise services for 90 consecutive years.
For Armenians, it memorializes the first Genocide of the 20th century,
and the 1.5 million Armenians, living on their ancestral lands, who
perished at the hands of the Ottoman Turks. The memorial also serves
as a memorial to All Crimes against Humanity.
The 103 foot cross is the tallest Armenian Genocide Memorial in the
world. The CAAONC preserves, protects and maintains this site for
all San Francisco Bay Area residents and its tourists.
It is an oasis of open space, a forest in the middle of an urban
environment of one of the densest cities in California. One can enjoy
some of the best views of San Francisco from the top of Mount Davidson.
Mt. Davidson via the SF Travel Bureau
Partnerships and Events
San Francisco Travel Partners Mount Davidson Landmark Park and Cross
is proud to be affiliated with San Francisco Travel, which serves as
the official San Francisco convention and visitors bureau, we are one
of 1500 partners, through this agency CAAONC is able to promote visits
to the beautiful Mount Davidson Landmark Park and Cross with use of
its website and brochure distribution at the Visitors Information
Center and at the Moscone Convention Center, downtown San Francisco.
Annual Easter Sunrise Service The Easter Sunrise service has been a
San Francisco tradition for over 90 years. Non-denominational sunrise
services take place at the cross with local clergy. Last year Community
leaders invited to take part in Easter Sunrise 2013 included SF Fire
Chief Joanne Hayes-White and SF Mayor Edwin M. Lee. The program also
featured an SF Firefighters Honor Guard and musical performances by
Calvary Hill Community Gospel Choir, Lynne Miller of The House of
Bagpipes and The Salvation Army Brass Ensemble, which started the
morning off with a Sunrise Prelude at 6:50 a.m.
Council of Armenian American Organizations of Northern California
The Council is composed of dedicated volunteers of the member
organizations, who oversee the preservation and maintenance of the
Mount Davidson Cross.
Member Organizations include in alphabetical order: Ararat Armenian
Society, Armenian-American Citizens' League, Armenian Assembly of
America - Bay Area, Armenian Church Youth Organization - Oakland,
San Francisco and Santa Clara, Chapters, Armenian General Benevolent
Union -Silicon Valley, Armenian General Benevolent Union - Young
Professionals of Northern California, Armenian National Committee -San
Francisco Bay Area Armenian Professional Society - Bay Area, Armenian
Relief Society - Agnouni, Erepouni and Garin Chapters, Armenian
Revolutionary Federation - Krisdapor and Sardarabad Chapters, Armenian
Youth Federation - Rosdom Chapter, Armenian Technology Group, Bethel
Armenian Evangelical Church, Calvary Armenian Congregational Church
- San Francisco, Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational Association,
Homenetmen Scouts and Athletics Organizations - San Francisco, Santa
Clara and Walnut Creek Chapters, Knights of Vartan-Daron Lodge,
NorCal Armenian Home and Senior Services, St.
Andrew Armenian Apostolic Church - Cupertino, St. Gregory Armenian
Apostolic Church - San Francisco, St. James Armenian Apostolic Church -
Sacramento, St. John Armenian Apostolic Church - San Francisco, St.
Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church - Oakland, Tekeyan Cultural
Association, Triple X Fraternity - Golden Gate, Mt. Diablo, Oakland
and Peninsula Chapters, U.C. Berkeley Armenian Alumni Association.
Donations To Support Mount Davidson Cross Mail checks to: CAAONC 825
Brotherhood Way San Francisco, CA 94132
Online Donations: mountdavidsoncross.org/contact.html
http://asbarez.com/119625/banquet-benefits-san-francisco%E2%80%99s-mount-davidson-cross/
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress