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April 27, 2009
2009 Times Square Commemoration
By Taleen Babayan
For the 24th consecutive year, Armenians converged in Times Square to
commemorate the 94th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Under a
bright sky and record-breaking temperatures, the enthusiastic audience
listened attentively to an assemblage of prominent speakers urging
them to carry on the fight for Armenian Genocide recognition. As a
timid prospect of a rapprochement between Armenian and Turkey lingers
on the horizon, Armenians here pledge to observe and pay homage to the
victims of the first Genocide of the 20th Century. The gathering in
Times Square, on Sunday afternoon, April 26th, with an unprecedented
crowd, was a reconfirmation of that solemn commitment.
This unique event, held in the heart of Manhattan, serves an
appropriate public forum where American public leaders and high
ranking elected officials demand justice for the victims of the
Armenian Genocide in the hands of the Ottoman Turks. Thus, their
demand for justice resonates far beyond the wide avenues crisscrossing
Times Square.
As in years past, an array of high-profile elected officials were on
stage to protest Turkey's denial of any responsibility for the
Armenian massacres and to express solidarity with the
Armenian-American community. "We will continue to light the torch of
truth until Turkey recognizes the Genocide," proclaimed the Democratic
senior senator from New York, Senator Chuck Schumer, a true friend and
a tireless champion of Armenian causes.
Another staunch supporter of Armenian causes in Congress, Congressman
Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ), co-chairman of the Armenian Caucus, said
that it is important for everyone to be involved in Genocide
recognition and to do everything to bring the republics of Armenia and
Nagorno Karabagh closer to the United States. Although the resolution
passed in 1975 and 1984, Congressman Pallone said, "I apologize that
we have not passed the Genocide resolution so far this season. We will
get there!"
Some members of the Armenian-American community were bitterly
disappointed, while others were not, with President Obama for failing
to use the English word "genocide" in his message on April 24th. One
of the special guests of the commemorative event, well-known criminal
trial lawyer Mark Geragos, launched an unabashed criticism of
President Obama for not using the word "genocide" as he had
promised. His virulent criticism was well-received by the
audience. "Shame on you," said Geragos in reference to President
Obama. He said the politicians should be held accountable for the
promises they make. "The only way we will get what we want is if we do
it ourselves. The fundamental right of any victim is restitution. So
let them fight for restitution. Our fight is over reparations and yes
we will win that fight," said Geragos.
Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-NY) stressed the importance of using the
word "genocide" in reference to the Armenian Genocide. "There is no
other word for what happened. It was a genocide, plain and simple,"
said Weiner. "We honor the tradition of this country. We promise we
won't forget history. We will remember the Genocide," said Weiner.
Congressman Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI) began his remarks with Adolf
Hitler's famous words: "Who today speaks of the annihilation of the
Armenians?" McCotter said that history is happening now and the
Armenian Genocide should be acknowledged. "The survivor's hearts
shouldn't wait any longer for their governments to acknowledge that
the Genocide occurred. All the survivors should find peace," said
McCotter.
The commemoration began with an invocation by His Eminence Oshagan
Choloyan, Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of the Eastern
United States, who said he was disheartened that President Obama did
not honor his promise to recognize the Armenian Genocide and the
necessity of acknowledging the Genocide. "To forget this atrocious act
would be another crime against humanity and a crime against the
victims," said Archbishop Choloyan.
Grand Commander of the Knights of Vartan Haig Deranian and Grand
Matron Anita Arslanian recognized the Knights and Daughters of Vartan
in their heartwarming addresses and reiterated the theme of the
commemoration: "we cannot forget and we will not forget." They thanked
the participating organizations of the Mid-Atlantic lodges, the chair
and co-chair of the event, Hirant Gulian and Sam Azadian as well as
Dr. Dennis Papazian as academic advisor.
Shakeh Kadehjian recognized the survivors of the Armenian Genocide who
were present at the commemoration including: Adrine Badjyan, birth
place Adapazar, 100 years old; Arshalouys Dadir, birthplace
Shabinkarahisar, 96 years old; Onorig Eminyan, birthplace Izmir, 97
years old; Peruz Kalustyan, birthplace Palu, 101 years old; Charlotte
Kechejian, birthplace Konya, 97 years old; Sirarpi Sirabian,
birthplace Adapazar, 97 years old.
Dr. Dennis Papazian, a prominent member of the Knights of Vartan
leadership opened his address underlying the fact that there is a
struggle for Turkey's soul. "There is a change in Turkey, yet very
slow," said Papazian. Armed with two recent publications from Turkey,
one depicting the notes personally kept by Taalat Pasha one of the
principal architects of the Genocide, who kept meticulous notes of the
number of Armenians sent to their death marches. The other
publication, recently published in Turkey, is the complete trial
records of the leadership of Ottoman Turks who orchestrated the
Genocide.
Dr. Papazian reminded his audience that indeed there was a trial in
Turkey and the perpetrators of the Armenian massacres where found
guilty by the Turkish government. "Those books could not have been
published even a decade ago," declared Dr. Papazian, adding that times
are changing in Turkey. Dr. Papazian also noted that President Obama
did call the expulsion and murder of 1.5 million Armenian by the Young
Turk dictators, a genocide, except that he used the Armenian term.
"Use English, next time Mr. President," he challenged, "so as to make
your position crystal clear!"
Proclamations by New York Governor Paterson and by Mayor Bloomberg of
Armenian Genocide Day were announced. Clergy in attendance were also
recognized, including Very Rev. Haigazoun Najarian, Vicar General of
the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), His Eminence
Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of the
Eastern United States, and Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, also of the
Prelacy. Andrew Torigian was in attendance representing the Armenian
Missionary Association of America. Mr. David Krikorian, who is running
for congress in Ohio's second district, was also presented.
City councilmen of Queens John Liu and Peter Vallone Jr. were also in
attendance to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide. Vallone spoke about the importance of commemorating the
Genocide every year and of having elected officials who stand up for
Armenian causes. "We see survivors sitting here today who witnessed
the horrors that took place," said Liu, noting that the Turkish people
did not succeed in their plans to exterminate the Armenians. "This is
where we have gathered for many years and will continue to do so until
the truth is told."
In his remarks, Very Rev. Fr. Haigazoun Najarian, Vicar General of the
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, said he did not want to
dwell on the past or to seek revenge. "I'm here today to ask for
justice, peace and co-existence," said Najarian. He spoke about the
contributions Armenians made to Ottoman culture and how Turks and
Armenians had once lived side by side. "We have a lot in common. Let
us build upon this common entity. Let Turkey, as a gesture, open the
doors to Armenians so we can understand each other," concluded
Najarian.
Representatives from co-sponsoring organizations offered greetings;
AGBU, Natalie Gabrelian; Armenian Assembly of America, Van Krikorian;
Antranig Kasbarian, of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation who spoke
for the Armenian National Committee of America; Hilda Haroutunian,
Armenian Democratic League and Dikran Nalbandian; Hunchagian Party.
Able Masters of Ceremonies were Dr. Mary Papazian, Senior
Vice-President and Provost at Lehman College, a part of City
University NY, and Armen McOmber, Esq., of NJ. Talar Aydian and
Markrete Krikorian sang the Armenian national anthem in English and
Armenian.
The program concluded with a benediction from Bishop Anoushavan
Tanielian, Vicar of the Armenian Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic
Church of America (Eastern United States) and the singing of God Bless
America by Ani Djirdjirian.
Live coverage of the event was broadcast by the Armenian Radio Hour of
New Jersey.
Winners of this year's Knights of Vartan essay contest were present at
the commemoration and were recognized for their achievements. The
winners were Shannelle Russell, Carley Weinstein and Sarah
Torosyan. Aram Balian was awarded a Knights of Vartan silver medal for
a letter he had written to President Obama in regard to the Armenian
Genocide.
The 94th commemoration of the Armenian Genocide in Times Square was
organized by the Mid-Atlantic chapters of the Knights and Daughters of
Vartan and co-sponsored by Armenian General Benevolent Union, Armenian
Assembly of America, Armenian National Committee of America, Armenian
Democratic Liberal Party and Social Democratic Hunchagian Party.
Participating organizations included: Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), Prelacy of the Armenian Church, Armenian
Missionary Association of America, Armenian Presbyterian Church,
Armenian Evangelical Church, Armenian Catholic Eparchy for US and
Canada, and Armenian Youth Organizations.
April 27, 2009
2009 Times Square Commemoration
By Taleen Babayan
For the 24th consecutive year, Armenians converged in Times Square to
commemorate the 94th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Under a
bright sky and record-breaking temperatures, the enthusiastic audience
listened attentively to an assemblage of prominent speakers urging
them to carry on the fight for Armenian Genocide recognition. As a
timid prospect of a rapprochement between Armenian and Turkey lingers
on the horizon, Armenians here pledge to observe and pay homage to the
victims of the first Genocide of the 20th Century. The gathering in
Times Square, on Sunday afternoon, April 26th, with an unprecedented
crowd, was a reconfirmation of that solemn commitment.
This unique event, held in the heart of Manhattan, serves an
appropriate public forum where American public leaders and high
ranking elected officials demand justice for the victims of the
Armenian Genocide in the hands of the Ottoman Turks. Thus, their
demand for justice resonates far beyond the wide avenues crisscrossing
Times Square.
As in years past, an array of high-profile elected officials were on
stage to protest Turkey's denial of any responsibility for the
Armenian massacres and to express solidarity with the
Armenian-American community. "We will continue to light the torch of
truth until Turkey recognizes the Genocide," proclaimed the Democratic
senior senator from New York, Senator Chuck Schumer, a true friend and
a tireless champion of Armenian causes.
Another staunch supporter of Armenian causes in Congress, Congressman
Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ), co-chairman of the Armenian Caucus, said
that it is important for everyone to be involved in Genocide
recognition and to do everything to bring the republics of Armenia and
Nagorno Karabagh closer to the United States. Although the resolution
passed in 1975 and 1984, Congressman Pallone said, "I apologize that
we have not passed the Genocide resolution so far this season. We will
get there!"
Some members of the Armenian-American community were bitterly
disappointed, while others were not, with President Obama for failing
to use the English word "genocide" in his message on April 24th. One
of the special guests of the commemorative event, well-known criminal
trial lawyer Mark Geragos, launched an unabashed criticism of
President Obama for not using the word "genocide" as he had
promised. His virulent criticism was well-received by the
audience. "Shame on you," said Geragos in reference to President
Obama. He said the politicians should be held accountable for the
promises they make. "The only way we will get what we want is if we do
it ourselves. The fundamental right of any victim is restitution. So
let them fight for restitution. Our fight is over reparations and yes
we will win that fight," said Geragos.
Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-NY) stressed the importance of using the
word "genocide" in reference to the Armenian Genocide. "There is no
other word for what happened. It was a genocide, plain and simple,"
said Weiner. "We honor the tradition of this country. We promise we
won't forget history. We will remember the Genocide," said Weiner.
Congressman Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI) began his remarks with Adolf
Hitler's famous words: "Who today speaks of the annihilation of the
Armenians?" McCotter said that history is happening now and the
Armenian Genocide should be acknowledged. "The survivor's hearts
shouldn't wait any longer for their governments to acknowledge that
the Genocide occurred. All the survivors should find peace," said
McCotter.
The commemoration began with an invocation by His Eminence Oshagan
Choloyan, Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of the Eastern
United States, who said he was disheartened that President Obama did
not honor his promise to recognize the Armenian Genocide and the
necessity of acknowledging the Genocide. "To forget this atrocious act
would be another crime against humanity and a crime against the
victims," said Archbishop Choloyan.
Grand Commander of the Knights of Vartan Haig Deranian and Grand
Matron Anita Arslanian recognized the Knights and Daughters of Vartan
in their heartwarming addresses and reiterated the theme of the
commemoration: "we cannot forget and we will not forget." They thanked
the participating organizations of the Mid-Atlantic lodges, the chair
and co-chair of the event, Hirant Gulian and Sam Azadian as well as
Dr. Dennis Papazian as academic advisor.
Shakeh Kadehjian recognized the survivors of the Armenian Genocide who
were present at the commemoration including: Adrine Badjyan, birth
place Adapazar, 100 years old; Arshalouys Dadir, birthplace
Shabinkarahisar, 96 years old; Onorig Eminyan, birthplace Izmir, 97
years old; Peruz Kalustyan, birthplace Palu, 101 years old; Charlotte
Kechejian, birthplace Konya, 97 years old; Sirarpi Sirabian,
birthplace Adapazar, 97 years old.
Dr. Dennis Papazian, a prominent member of the Knights of Vartan
leadership opened his address underlying the fact that there is a
struggle for Turkey's soul. "There is a change in Turkey, yet very
slow," said Papazian. Armed with two recent publications from Turkey,
one depicting the notes personally kept by Taalat Pasha one of the
principal architects of the Genocide, who kept meticulous notes of the
number of Armenians sent to their death marches. The other
publication, recently published in Turkey, is the complete trial
records of the leadership of Ottoman Turks who orchestrated the
Genocide.
Dr. Papazian reminded his audience that indeed there was a trial in
Turkey and the perpetrators of the Armenian massacres where found
guilty by the Turkish government. "Those books could not have been
published even a decade ago," declared Dr. Papazian, adding that times
are changing in Turkey. Dr. Papazian also noted that President Obama
did call the expulsion and murder of 1.5 million Armenian by the Young
Turk dictators, a genocide, except that he used the Armenian term.
"Use English, next time Mr. President," he challenged, "so as to make
your position crystal clear!"
Proclamations by New York Governor Paterson and by Mayor Bloomberg of
Armenian Genocide Day were announced. Clergy in attendance were also
recognized, including Very Rev. Haigazoun Najarian, Vicar General of
the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), His Eminence
Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of the
Eastern United States, and Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, also of the
Prelacy. Andrew Torigian was in attendance representing the Armenian
Missionary Association of America. Mr. David Krikorian, who is running
for congress in Ohio's second district, was also presented.
City councilmen of Queens John Liu and Peter Vallone Jr. were also in
attendance to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide. Vallone spoke about the importance of commemorating the
Genocide every year and of having elected officials who stand up for
Armenian causes. "We see survivors sitting here today who witnessed
the horrors that took place," said Liu, noting that the Turkish people
did not succeed in their plans to exterminate the Armenians. "This is
where we have gathered for many years and will continue to do so until
the truth is told."
In his remarks, Very Rev. Fr. Haigazoun Najarian, Vicar General of the
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, said he did not want to
dwell on the past or to seek revenge. "I'm here today to ask for
justice, peace and co-existence," said Najarian. He spoke about the
contributions Armenians made to Ottoman culture and how Turks and
Armenians had once lived side by side. "We have a lot in common. Let
us build upon this common entity. Let Turkey, as a gesture, open the
doors to Armenians so we can understand each other," concluded
Najarian.
Representatives from co-sponsoring organizations offered greetings;
AGBU, Natalie Gabrelian; Armenian Assembly of America, Van Krikorian;
Antranig Kasbarian, of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation who spoke
for the Armenian National Committee of America; Hilda Haroutunian,
Armenian Democratic League and Dikran Nalbandian; Hunchagian Party.
Able Masters of Ceremonies were Dr. Mary Papazian, Senior
Vice-President and Provost at Lehman College, a part of City
University NY, and Armen McOmber, Esq., of NJ. Talar Aydian and
Markrete Krikorian sang the Armenian national anthem in English and
Armenian.
The program concluded with a benediction from Bishop Anoushavan
Tanielian, Vicar of the Armenian Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic
Church of America (Eastern United States) and the singing of God Bless
America by Ani Djirdjirian.
Live coverage of the event was broadcast by the Armenian Radio Hour of
New Jersey.
Winners of this year's Knights of Vartan essay contest were present at
the commemoration and were recognized for their achievements. The
winners were Shannelle Russell, Carley Weinstein and Sarah
Torosyan. Aram Balian was awarded a Knights of Vartan silver medal for
a letter he had written to President Obama in regard to the Armenian
Genocide.
The 94th commemoration of the Armenian Genocide in Times Square was
organized by the Mid-Atlantic chapters of the Knights and Daughters of
Vartan and co-sponsored by Armenian General Benevolent Union, Armenian
Assembly of America, Armenian National Committee of America, Armenian
Democratic Liberal Party and Social Democratic Hunchagian Party.
Participating organizations included: Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), Prelacy of the Armenian Church, Armenian
Missionary Association of America, Armenian Presbyterian Church,
Armenian Evangelical Church, Armenian Catholic Eparchy for US and
Canada, and Armenian Youth Organizations.