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ANCA-ER WELCOMES MAINE STATE LEGISLATURE GENOCIDE PROCLAMATION
Armenian Weekly
April 23, 2012
AUGUSTA, Maine-On April 10, 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. The proclamation recalled the Armenian Genocide
and noted the contribution of Armenian Americans, including survivors
of the genocide, to the state.
Members of the Maine Armenian community and State Legislature at
the State Capitol in Augusta "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 led by Maine State Senator Joseph Brannigan
(DWestbrook), a long-time leader of the commemoration in the Maine
State Senate. The proclamation was co-sponsored by Maine State Senator
and Justin Alfond (D-Portland), as well as Maine State Representatives
Anne Haskell (D-Portland) and Diane Russell (D-Portland).
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 and raises awareness
among Maine's non-Armenian community about its rich cultural heritage.
Proclamation text: SLS 653
Be it known to all that we, the Members of the Senate and House of
Representatives, join in recognizing the 97th Anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide.
On April 24, 1915, a campaign was launched by the Turkish regime of the
Ottoman Empire against the Armenian people, resulting in the death of
more than 1.5 million Armenians. Some of the survivors settled in the
State of Maine, and their heirs have made significant contributions
to the State.
We join our citizens of Armenian heritage in remembering this event,
and we express our deepest sympathy for the families of those who
perished; and be it ordered that this official expression of sentiment
be sent forthwith on behalf of the 125th Legislature and the people
of the State of Maine.
Given this 10th Day of April 2012 at the State Capitol.
From: Baghdasarian
Armenian Weekly
April 23, 2012
AUGUSTA, Maine-On April 10, 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. The proclamation recalled the Armenian Genocide
and noted the contribution of Armenian Americans, including survivors
of the genocide, to the state.
Members of the Maine Armenian community and State Legislature at
the State Capitol in Augusta "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 led by Maine State Senator Joseph Brannigan
(DWestbrook), a long-time leader of the commemoration in the Maine
State Senate. The proclamation was co-sponsored by Maine State Senator
and Justin Alfond (D-Portland), as well as Maine State Representatives
Anne Haskell (D-Portland) and Diane Russell (D-Portland).
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 and raises awareness
among Maine's non-Armenian community about its rich cultural heritage.
Proclamation text: SLS 653
Be it known to all that we, the Members of the Senate and House of
Representatives, join in recognizing the 97th Anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide.
On April 24, 1915, a campaign was launched by the Turkish regime of the
Ottoman Empire against the Armenian people, resulting in the death of
more than 1.5 million Armenians. Some of the survivors settled in the
State of Maine, and their heirs have made significant contributions
to the State.
We join our citizens of Armenian heritage in remembering this event,
and we express our deepest sympathy for the families of those who
perished; and be it ordered that this official expression of sentiment
be sent forthwith on behalf of the 125th Legislature and the people
of the State of Maine.
Given this 10th Day of April 2012 at the State Capitol.
From: Baghdasarian