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Middlesex County Sheriff wins award from Armenian government
Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian
By Emily Cataneo
Wicked Local Watertown
http://www.wickedlocal.com/watertown/news/x1926903422/Middlesex-County-Sheriff-wins-award-from-Armenian-government#axzz2GN63Wior
Posted Dec 28, 2012 @ 12:06 PM
WATERTOWN -
Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian won the Mkhitar Gosh Medal
from the Armenian government to commend him for his work as a public
servant. Koutoujian talked to the TAB about why he won the award,
meeting the Armenian prime minister and his Armenian heritage.
Can you tell me a bit about your family history?
My grandparents on my father's side emigrated here during the
Armenian Genocide, fleeing the village of Marash even while many of
their friends, neighbors and relatives were not able to make it out
alive. While fleeing, my grandparents became separated with my
grandfather making it to the U.S. and my grandmother arriving in
Aleppo, Syria. They were eventually reunited in the U.S. and raised
their three sons and daughter here, forever grateful for the refuge
and opportunity the country provided them.
What was your reaction on finding out that you'd received the award?
I was just completely awestruck. I had no idea I would be presented
the medal so I was very emotional when Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan
pinned me. I have been blessed to have been born with Armenian blood
and to be recognized by the Republic of Armenia, to have people over
there taking note of what we are doing over here was a tremendous
honor.
What kinds of initiatives and activities have you pioneered during
your time as sheriff?
I think this is more of a lifetime achievement award than an award for
any one thing I did as a legislator or now as Sheriff. I have been as
active and as vocal as I can be on issues impacting the Armenian
community, but perhaps my greatest achievement was spearheading the
creation of the Armenian Heritage Park in Boston. To hold my
children's' hands and walk through the park and know it will be there
for them to walk through with their children is a very powerful
feeling.
Tell us about meeting the Armenian prime minister.
You could tell he was a very quiet man, but brilliant. His comments
were all on point and I was struck by that. He had great passion that
showed through as well.
Anything else we should know?
Another proud moment in my life similar to when I was presented the
Mkhitar Gosh Medal was in 2011 when I was honored to receive the Ellis
Island Medal of Honor from the National Ethnic Coalition of
Organizations (NECO). NECO's mission is to honor diversity and foster
tolerance, respect and understanding by promoting the works of
Americans from all walks of life who have distinguished themselves by
making significant contributions to the nation. In past years, awards
have been given to U.S. Presidents, Supreme Court Justices,
journalists and outstanding athletes. To have stood on stage in the
company of great Americans like Medal of Honor recipient Staff
Sergeant Salvatore Giunta was something I will never forget.
Read more: Middlesex County Sheriff wins award from Armenian
government - Watertown, MA - Watertown TAB
http://www.wickedlocal.com/watertown/news/x1926903422/Middlesex-County-Sheriff-wins-award-from-Armenian-government#ixzz2GN67zNu2
Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian
By Emily Cataneo
Wicked Local Watertown
http://www.wickedlocal.com/watertown/news/x1926903422/Middlesex-County-Sheriff-wins-award-from-Armenian-government#axzz2GN63Wior
Posted Dec 28, 2012 @ 12:06 PM
WATERTOWN -
Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian won the Mkhitar Gosh Medal
from the Armenian government to commend him for his work as a public
servant. Koutoujian talked to the TAB about why he won the award,
meeting the Armenian prime minister and his Armenian heritage.
Can you tell me a bit about your family history?
My grandparents on my father's side emigrated here during the
Armenian Genocide, fleeing the village of Marash even while many of
their friends, neighbors and relatives were not able to make it out
alive. While fleeing, my grandparents became separated with my
grandfather making it to the U.S. and my grandmother arriving in
Aleppo, Syria. They were eventually reunited in the U.S. and raised
their three sons and daughter here, forever grateful for the refuge
and opportunity the country provided them.
What was your reaction on finding out that you'd received the award?
I was just completely awestruck. I had no idea I would be presented
the medal so I was very emotional when Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan
pinned me. I have been blessed to have been born with Armenian blood
and to be recognized by the Republic of Armenia, to have people over
there taking note of what we are doing over here was a tremendous
honor.
What kinds of initiatives and activities have you pioneered during
your time as sheriff?
I think this is more of a lifetime achievement award than an award for
any one thing I did as a legislator or now as Sheriff. I have been as
active and as vocal as I can be on issues impacting the Armenian
community, but perhaps my greatest achievement was spearheading the
creation of the Armenian Heritage Park in Boston. To hold my
children's' hands and walk through the park and know it will be there
for them to walk through with their children is a very powerful
feeling.
Tell us about meeting the Armenian prime minister.
You could tell he was a very quiet man, but brilliant. His comments
were all on point and I was struck by that. He had great passion that
showed through as well.
Anything else we should know?
Another proud moment in my life similar to when I was presented the
Mkhitar Gosh Medal was in 2011 when I was honored to receive the Ellis
Island Medal of Honor from the National Ethnic Coalition of
Organizations (NECO). NECO's mission is to honor diversity and foster
tolerance, respect and understanding by promoting the works of
Americans from all walks of life who have distinguished themselves by
making significant contributions to the nation. In past years, awards
have been given to U.S. Presidents, Supreme Court Justices,
journalists and outstanding athletes. To have stood on stage in the
company of great Americans like Medal of Honor recipient Staff
Sergeant Salvatore Giunta was something I will never forget.
Read more: Middlesex County Sheriff wins award from Armenian
government - Watertown, MA - Watertown TAB
http://www.wickedlocal.com/watertown/news/x1926903422/Middlesex-County-Sheriff-wins-award-from-Armenian-government#ixzz2GN67zNu2