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NEWS RELEASE
Armenian Professionals Network
Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America
3325 No. Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91504
Tel: (818) 558-7474, Fax: (818) 558-6333
www.armenianchurchwd.com
Contact: Sylva Natalie Manoogian, Tel. (213) 974-5676 (cell)
APN/WESTERN DIOCESE, ARARAT-ESKIJIAN MUSEUM AND ARARAT HOME VALLEY
GUILD HONOR ARMENIAN VETERANS
In recognition of the selfless heroism of Armenian men and women who have
served with distinction in the United States Armed Forces, "A Historic
Tribute to Veterans" was held on Sunday, November 9, 2008, at 2 p.m., in
the Ararat Home's Sheen (Goevkalayjian) Chapel, Mission Hills, CA. The
event was planned, organized, and presented by the Armenian Professionals
Network (APN), in collaboration with the Ararat-Eskijian Museum and the
Ararat Home of Los Angeles Valley Guild, under the auspices of His Eminence
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian
Church of North America. The following inspired and inspiring article was
written by 15-year-old Melanie Tatiossian, a sophomore at Calabasas High
School, who aspires to pursue a career in journalism. It is evident that she
is well on her way! SNM
"A Historic Tribute to Veterans" by Melanie Tatiossian
As I walked up the stairs leading to the Sheen Chapel, the only thought in
my mind was the chilly weather. I walked through the wooden doors, and
thought it was going to be another ordinary day. But little did I know it
would change my life forever. I decided to attend the event because my mom
needed me to assist her as part of the welcoming committee. All I kept
thinking was "What is a fifteen-year-old girl doing at a gathering of
eighty-year-olds?" But soon enough, I found out why God had sent me there.
As the event unfolded, everybody became a bit more eager. People in
attendance included Veterans and their families, City Council members,
Clergy, and prominent members of the community. Volunteers all had
designated jobs. Some were at the sign-in table, some were at the
registration table, some seated the guests, and some, including myself,
handed out programs. Standing in front of the Chapel, I got a glimpse of
every Veteran who attended. Most of them were casually dressed, but some of
them were in their military uniforms.
After everyone was escorted to their seats, the event began. The first
speaker, Mrs. Sylva Natalie Manoogian, presented a welcoming speech. She
also gave background about the Armenian Professionals Network (APN), which
was established at the Western Diocese in 2004. The Master of Ceremonies,
Mr. Guy Chookoorian, born on November 15, 1923, served in the U.S. Army Air
Corps, and in 1944 he was assigned to a bomber crew and flew 32 bombing
missions. As I heard his story, it gave me chills down my spine. I
thought, someone courageous enough to fight for their country should be
recognized as a national hero. Following his speech, a group of ROTC
students from Cleveland High School performed the Presentation of Colors,
led by Sergeant Sullivan. This was a very inspirational performance,
causing some of the guests to shed a tear.
Remembering the noble Veterans, the atmosphere became heavy-hearted. in
unison we all sang the Star Spangled Banner and Mer Hayrenik, the national
anthems of the United States and of the Republic of Armenia, which made me
realize something very important. We are all one. No matter what shape and
size, color or nationality, we are all a part of one race. The human race,
one unit, one family, one world.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Ms. Nancy Eskijian,the daughter of the
founder of the Eskijian Museum, delivered an invocation and a very inspiring
speech. Hearing her speak about her father, Luther Eskijian, and his great
accomplishments, I was very moved. Coming from Syria and rebuilding a life
in the United States was not an easy task. "We come in unity to honor [the
veterans]," stated Ms. Eskijian. "I have great respect and admiration for
each of you," she added. Next at the podium was native Californian, Nikki
Campbell-Smith. As an active member of WIMSA (Women in Military Service of
America), she spoke of how the military has altered her life. "In
Washington, DC, a city of monuments, WIMSA has added dignity [to our
community]," she proclaimed.
As my eyes looked over the crowd, I noticed how attentive each guest was to
the speakers. You could hear a pin drop in the Chapel. Everyone was giving
the speakers and the past Veterans the reverence one would give to a priest
at the altar. Even though reminiscing about war cannot be easy, the love,
compassion, and dedication in each Veteran's eyes were evident. The
recognition that each Veteran received was grand but cannot be compared to
what they truly deserve. After hearing Lieutenant Colonel William Joseph
Ryland speak, the American Flag holds new meaning for me. Dressed like
George Washington, he spoke with passion about our American Flag, aka "Old
Glory", declaiming what the flag would say if it were human. His
personification of the flag's speech was this: "[The Veterans'] blood is in
my red stripes. Their purity is reflected in my white stripes. Their souls
are represented by my stars, and their courage is embedded in my blue."
After the Lieutenant's stirring monologue, Captain Leo Keligian spoke.
Starting in just the twelfth grade, Captain Keligian has been a part of the
Coast Guard, Navy Seals, and the United States Army. During World War II,
he participated in the war in the Pacific Theatre, and was active from the
South Pacific to Japan. After World War II concluded, he was sent to the
U.S. Army and promoted to Captain. He was on active duty during the Korean
War, and six years later during the Berlin Crisis. In 1983, he was
redeployed with only four hours' notice. He did not return back home for
three long, exhausting years. Captain Keligian is one of the most
inspirational Veterans I have ever met. My eyes kept reverting back to his
olive green coat, which was decorated and adorned with many medals. But
what made him noteworthy were not the medals, but his humility.
Council members from the City of Los Angeles, Ms. Wendy Gruell and Mr.
Dennis Zine, and from the City of Burbank, Dr. David Gordon, presented
certificates to the event organizers. In an eloquent closing speech, the
President of APN, Mr. Arthur H. Zabounian, asked each Veteran to stand as
his or her name was called. The chapel was charged with pride and
patriotism. I found myself thinking about Veterans .ordinary people who
showed courage, loyalty, and commitment to this country when faced with
extraordinary circumstances. In retrospect, I'm glad I attended. "What's
a fifteen year old girl doing at a gathering of 80 year olds?" Learning,
growing, and appreciating our parents and forebears for fighting for
freedom. God bless the USA!
Armenian Professionals Network
Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America
3325 No. Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91504
Tel: (818) 558-7474, Fax: (818) 558-6333
www.armenianchurchwd.com
Contact: Sylva Natalie Manoogian, Tel. (213) 974-5676 (cell)
APN/WESTERN DIOCESE, ARARAT-ESKIJIAN MUSEUM AND ARARAT HOME VALLEY
GUILD HONOR ARMENIAN VETERANS
In recognition of the selfless heroism of Armenian men and women who have
served with distinction in the United States Armed Forces, "A Historic
Tribute to Veterans" was held on Sunday, November 9, 2008, at 2 p.m., in
the Ararat Home's Sheen (Goevkalayjian) Chapel, Mission Hills, CA. The
event was planned, organized, and presented by the Armenian Professionals
Network (APN), in collaboration with the Ararat-Eskijian Museum and the
Ararat Home of Los Angeles Valley Guild, under the auspices of His Eminence
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian
Church of North America. The following inspired and inspiring article was
written by 15-year-old Melanie Tatiossian, a sophomore at Calabasas High
School, who aspires to pursue a career in journalism. It is evident that she
is well on her way! SNM
"A Historic Tribute to Veterans" by Melanie Tatiossian
As I walked up the stairs leading to the Sheen Chapel, the only thought in
my mind was the chilly weather. I walked through the wooden doors, and
thought it was going to be another ordinary day. But little did I know it
would change my life forever. I decided to attend the event because my mom
needed me to assist her as part of the welcoming committee. All I kept
thinking was "What is a fifteen-year-old girl doing at a gathering of
eighty-year-olds?" But soon enough, I found out why God had sent me there.
As the event unfolded, everybody became a bit more eager. People in
attendance included Veterans and their families, City Council members,
Clergy, and prominent members of the community. Volunteers all had
designated jobs. Some were at the sign-in table, some were at the
registration table, some seated the guests, and some, including myself,
handed out programs. Standing in front of the Chapel, I got a glimpse of
every Veteran who attended. Most of them were casually dressed, but some of
them were in their military uniforms.
After everyone was escorted to their seats, the event began. The first
speaker, Mrs. Sylva Natalie Manoogian, presented a welcoming speech. She
also gave background about the Armenian Professionals Network (APN), which
was established at the Western Diocese in 2004. The Master of Ceremonies,
Mr. Guy Chookoorian, born on November 15, 1923, served in the U.S. Army Air
Corps, and in 1944 he was assigned to a bomber crew and flew 32 bombing
missions. As I heard his story, it gave me chills down my spine. I
thought, someone courageous enough to fight for their country should be
recognized as a national hero. Following his speech, a group of ROTC
students from Cleveland High School performed the Presentation of Colors,
led by Sergeant Sullivan. This was a very inspirational performance,
causing some of the guests to shed a tear.
Remembering the noble Veterans, the atmosphere became heavy-hearted. in
unison we all sang the Star Spangled Banner and Mer Hayrenik, the national
anthems of the United States and of the Republic of Armenia, which made me
realize something very important. We are all one. No matter what shape and
size, color or nationality, we are all a part of one race. The human race,
one unit, one family, one world.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Ms. Nancy Eskijian,the daughter of the
founder of the Eskijian Museum, delivered an invocation and a very inspiring
speech. Hearing her speak about her father, Luther Eskijian, and his great
accomplishments, I was very moved. Coming from Syria and rebuilding a life
in the United States was not an easy task. "We come in unity to honor [the
veterans]," stated Ms. Eskijian. "I have great respect and admiration for
each of you," she added. Next at the podium was native Californian, Nikki
Campbell-Smith. As an active member of WIMSA (Women in Military Service of
America), she spoke of how the military has altered her life. "In
Washington, DC, a city of monuments, WIMSA has added dignity [to our
community]," she proclaimed.
As my eyes looked over the crowd, I noticed how attentive each guest was to
the speakers. You could hear a pin drop in the Chapel. Everyone was giving
the speakers and the past Veterans the reverence one would give to a priest
at the altar. Even though reminiscing about war cannot be easy, the love,
compassion, and dedication in each Veteran's eyes were evident. The
recognition that each Veteran received was grand but cannot be compared to
what they truly deserve. After hearing Lieutenant Colonel William Joseph
Ryland speak, the American Flag holds new meaning for me. Dressed like
George Washington, he spoke with passion about our American Flag, aka "Old
Glory", declaiming what the flag would say if it were human. His
personification of the flag's speech was this: "[The Veterans'] blood is in
my red stripes. Their purity is reflected in my white stripes. Their souls
are represented by my stars, and their courage is embedded in my blue."
After the Lieutenant's stirring monologue, Captain Leo Keligian spoke.
Starting in just the twelfth grade, Captain Keligian has been a part of the
Coast Guard, Navy Seals, and the United States Army. During World War II,
he participated in the war in the Pacific Theatre, and was active from the
South Pacific to Japan. After World War II concluded, he was sent to the
U.S. Army and promoted to Captain. He was on active duty during the Korean
War, and six years later during the Berlin Crisis. In 1983, he was
redeployed with only four hours' notice. He did not return back home for
three long, exhausting years. Captain Keligian is one of the most
inspirational Veterans I have ever met. My eyes kept reverting back to his
olive green coat, which was decorated and adorned with many medals. But
what made him noteworthy were not the medals, but his humility.
Council members from the City of Los Angeles, Ms. Wendy Gruell and Mr.
Dennis Zine, and from the City of Burbank, Dr. David Gordon, presented
certificates to the event organizers. In an eloquent closing speech, the
President of APN, Mr. Arthur H. Zabounian, asked each Veteran to stand as
his or her name was called. The chapel was charged with pride and
patriotism. I found myself thinking about Veterans .ordinary people who
showed courage, loyalty, and commitment to this country when faced with
extraordinary circumstances. In retrospect, I'm glad I attended. "What's
a fifteen year old girl doing at a gathering of 80 year olds?" Learning,
growing, and appreciating our parents and forebears for fighting for
freedom. God bless the USA!