Tweet
ANCA-ER WELCOMES MAINE STATE LEGISLATURE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE PROCLAMATION
ARMENPRESS
APRIL 20, 2012
YEREVAN
YEREVAN, APRIL 20, ARMENPRESS: The Armenian American community of Maine
along with the Armenian National Committee of America-Eastern Region
(ANCA-ER) welcomed the presentation of a joint proclamation of the
Maine State Legislature commemorating the 97th anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide, reports Armenpress citing the Armenian National
Committee of America (ANCA).
The proclamation recalled the Armenian Genocide and noted the
contribution of Armenian Americans, including survivors of the
Genocide, to the state.
"Over the past decade we have had a strong relationship with our
friends in the state legislature," noted Gerard Kiladjian, a resident
of Portland and one of the individuals who spearheaded the proclamation
effort this year. "We look forward to growing this relationship with
our public officials in the years to come so that we can continue
to educate them about the Armenian Genocide and its impact today as
well as the rich cultural heritage its survivors and the community
bring to the Pine State today."
The proclamation was lead by Maine State Senator Joseph Brannigan
(SD-009-Westbrook-D), a long-time leader of the commemoration in the
Maine State Senate. The proclamation was co-sponsored by Maine State
Senator and Justin Alfond (SD-008-Portland-D) as well as Maine State
Representatives Anne Haskell (HD-117-Portland-D) and Diane Russell
(HD-120-Portland-D).
Kathy Malconian, a long-time member of the Maine Armenian community
and ANCA activist also participated in the commemoration event along
with nearly a dozen other community members. Her brother, John, helped
start Maine's tradition of commemorating the Armenian Genocide over
20 years ago.
"Our parents, who were survivors of the Armenian Genocide, instilled in
us the importance of remembering, commemorating, and educating others
about the Genocide," said Malconian. "Sadly, the cycle of genocide
continues to this day in places like Darfur. As part of a community
that has suffered through genocide, it is important that we ensure that
the government remembers the Armenian Genocide so that we can learn the
lessons of our past and work together as a community to fight against
the bigotry and intolerance that gives rise to future genocides."
Both Malconian and Kiladjian are also members of the Armenian Cultural
Association of Maine, formerly known as the Armenian Club of Portland.
Throughout the year, the Armenian Cultural Association hosts
cultural and educational events ranging from academic presentations
to performance. The Armenian Cultural Association of Maine provides
a community nexus for Maine's Armenian community as well as raise
awareness among Maine's non-Armenian community about its rich cultural
heritage.
ARMENPRESS
APRIL 20, 2012
YEREVAN
YEREVAN, APRIL 20, ARMENPRESS: The Armenian American community of Maine
along with the Armenian National Committee of America-Eastern Region
(ANCA-ER) welcomed the presentation of a joint proclamation of the
Maine State Legislature commemorating the 97th anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide, reports Armenpress citing the Armenian National
Committee of America (ANCA).
The proclamation recalled the Armenian Genocide and noted the
contribution of Armenian Americans, including survivors of the
Genocide, to the state.
"Over the past decade we have had a strong relationship with our
friends in the state legislature," noted Gerard Kiladjian, a resident
of Portland and one of the individuals who spearheaded the proclamation
effort this year. "We look forward to growing this relationship with
our public officials in the years to come so that we can continue
to educate them about the Armenian Genocide and its impact today as
well as the rich cultural heritage its survivors and the community
bring to the Pine State today."
The proclamation was lead by Maine State Senator Joseph Brannigan
(SD-009-Westbrook-D), a long-time leader of the commemoration in the
Maine State Senate. The proclamation was co-sponsored by Maine State
Senator and Justin Alfond (SD-008-Portland-D) as well as Maine State
Representatives Anne Haskell (HD-117-Portland-D) and Diane Russell
(HD-120-Portland-D).
Kathy Malconian, a long-time member of the Maine Armenian community
and ANCA activist also participated in the commemoration event along
with nearly a dozen other community members. Her brother, John, helped
start Maine's tradition of commemorating the Armenian Genocide over
20 years ago.
"Our parents, who were survivors of the Armenian Genocide, instilled in
us the importance of remembering, commemorating, and educating others
about the Genocide," said Malconian. "Sadly, the cycle of genocide
continues to this day in places like Darfur. As part of a community
that has suffered through genocide, it is important that we ensure that
the government remembers the Armenian Genocide so that we can learn the
lessons of our past and work together as a community to fight against
the bigotry and intolerance that gives rise to future genocides."
Both Malconian and Kiladjian are also members of the Armenian Cultural
Association of Maine, formerly known as the Armenian Club of Portland.
Throughout the year, the Armenian Cultural Association hosts
cultural and educational events ranging from academic presentations
to performance. The Armenian Cultural Association of Maine provides
a community nexus for Maine's Armenian community as well as raise
awareness among Maine's non-Armenian community about its rich cultural
heritage.