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ANCA ER: Connecticut Armenians Gather at State Capitol in Remembranc

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  • ANCA ER: Connecticut Armenians Gather at State Capitol in Remembranc

    PRESS RELEASE
    Date: April 29, 2008
    Armenian National Committee of America
    Eastern Region
    122 W. 27th St., Floor 12
    New York, NY 10001
    Contact: Karine Birazian
    Tel: 917-428-1918

    CONNECTICUT ARMENIANS GATHER AT STATE CAPITOL IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE
    ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
    --Representative John Geragosian (D-25) presents proclamation from
    CT Governor

    Hartford, CT- On Saturday April 26, 2008, over 120 Armenians
    gathered at the Hartford State Capitol for a commemorative service
    in recognition of the Armenian Genocide, reported the Armenian
    National Committee of America, Eastern Region.

    The program included an invocation from the local Armenian
    Churches; recognition of Armenian Genocide survivors in the
    Connecticut area; remarks by Rep. John Geragosian (D-25); and
    presentation of a proclamation by the Governor (full text below);
    as well as remarks and singing by the youth and requiem service.
    Greg Kuo from the Genocide Intervention Network, gave an
    informative update on the actions GI-Net is taking to have the
    teachings of genocide in the school system.

    Keynote speaker ANCA Eastern Region Director Karine Birazian talked


    about taking action and being part of the solution. During her
    comments she said, "As Samantha Power, Pulizer Prize winner, for
    her book a Problem From Hell has discussed on several occasions,
    you can either be a bystander or an upstander. I implore all of
    you to become upstanders. And not watch another survivor pass
    without proper recognition or watch another Darfurian die. We must
    continue, as Armenian Americans, to raise our voices about the
    truth and ensure that our children will not have to bear witness to
    similar atrocities."

    Following the special requiem service a "Madagh" was donated by the
    St. Stephen's Armenian Apostolic Church, the Armenian Church of the
    Holy Resurrection, and St. George Armenian Apostolic Church where
    gatherers met with Birazian.

    Earlier that week on April 24 community members gathered at the
    State Capitol for an annual Armenian flag raising ceremony.
    Following the events Geragosian commented: "For years we have been
    told that it is 'not a good time' to press for such a resolution.
    "Enough is enough; it's time for us to come to grips with what many
    nations the world over have already recognized'the 1915 massacre of
    Armenian'Turks was a genocide."

    As Majority Caucus Chair, Geragosian was elected to the Connecticut
    House of Representatives in 1994. Representing the 25th district
    located in New Britain he serves on the Appropriations, Insurance &
    Real Estate, and Judiciary Committees.
    ####
    Photo Caption #1: Representative John Geragosian (D-25)
    Photo Caption #2: ANCA ER Director Karine Birazian

    State of Connecticut
    By Her Excellency M. Jodi Rell, Governor: an Official Statement

    WHEREAS, the Armenian genocide was a horrific, senseless
    persecution of millions of innocent Armenian citizens, during which
    perhaps as much as half of the population of Armenian was
    exterminated; and

    WHEREAS, it is critical that we recognize and condemn the Armenian
    genocide; and

    WHEREAS, the history of the Armenian genocide offers and
    opportunity to reflect on the moral responsibilities of
    individuals, societies and governments; and

    WHEREAS, each year, Armenians throughout the world honor those who
    perished from 1915-1923; and

    WHEREAS, the citizens of the State of Connecticut should always
    remember the terrible events of the Armenian Genocide and remain
    vigilant against hatred, persecution and tyranny, and

    WHEREAS, the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide each year


    provides an opportunity for people to reflect upon our own humanity
    and the need to respect all peoples; now

    THEREFORE, I, M Jodi Rell, Governor of the State of Connecticut, do
    hereby proclaim April 26, 2008, as

    A Day of Remembrance for the Armenian Genocide in the State of
    Connecticut, in recognition of the 93rd Commemoration of the
    Armenian genocide and in memory of its victims, survivors,
    rescuers, and liberators.

    SIGNED: M. Jodi Rell

    From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
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