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Elaborate Genocide Memorial Planned for Lowell
by Tom Vartabedian
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2012/05/05/elaborate-genocide-memorial-planned-for-lowell/
May 5, 2012
LOWELL, Mass. - A mother's hands weaving the history of her people.
Displaying an artist's rendition of genocide memorial for Lowell (L-R)
Mayor Patrick Murphy; Daniel Varoujan-Hejinian, artist/designer; and
Armen Jeknavorian, committee chairman.
Such is the theme of an elaborate genocide memorial approved by city
officials during a meeting with organizers from the Merrimack Valley
Armenian community.
Plans for the structure were announced during the 97th anniversary
commemoration in front of City Hall; the monument will be situated
there, to the right of a flagpole that flies the Armenian tricolor
every April 24th.
The estimated cost for the project runs $25,000, which will be
collected through an aggressive fundraising campaign.
The announcement followed six months of plenary work by a pan-Armenian
committee headed by activist Armen Jeknavorian with members of various
church and civic organizations. Middlesex County Sheriff Peter
Koutoujian is also lending insight as honorary chairman.
A three-dimensional motif featuring a mother's hands protruding from
the khatchkar (Armenian cross-stone) serves as an immediate
eye-catcher. At the base are the Armenian words `Ee Heeshadag' (or `In
Remembrance'). The stone measures six feet in height and three feet in
width.
`The delicacy of the crochet integrated into the cross-stone
symbolizes the steadfast richness of the Armenian heritage that has
sustained our ancient people for centuries,' said Hejinian. `Knot by
knot, the Armenian people everywhere weave their hopes and dream as
they grow and prosper. This expression of `weaving' echoes the
Armenian national anthem.'
The theme of weaving a lace cloth into stone appears connected to
Lowell's history, known for its prominent textile industry.
`Lowell accepted immigrants from throughout the world to work the
mills,' added Hejinian. `It is here in which a community of Armenians
was established and flourished from the late 19th century. Just as
this genocide is imprinted in the collective memory of every Armenian,
this cross-stone is the permanent reminder that the ultimate crime
against humanity will never be forgotten or repeated.'
The project was conceived under Mayor James Milinazzo, who lobbied for
a piece of prime land abutting City Hall. He has since been replaced
by Mayor Patrick Murphy, who remains just as enamored of such an
endeavor.
The Armenian memorial will share company with markers from other
nationality groups inside an area known as Monument Park, which
attracts some 100,000 folks each July during an ethnic folk festival.
Its visibility would be profound.
`It'll certainly create an attractive yet meaningful presence,' said
Murphy. `We have a very sizable Armenian presence in the city and this
is a tribute to them. Armenians have overcome extreme adversity.
Together, we'll all share in the human experience - that being peace and
harmony throughout the world.'
Armenians began settling in Lowell before the 1900's as immigrants
came searching for honest work and a safe haven in which to raise
their families, practice their religion, and educate their children.
`The Armenian community became an asset to the growth of Lowell's
economic and social fabric through their industrious spirit, strong
family values, and their devotion to a free society, healthy religious
values, and strong civic pride,' added Murphy.
The Merrimack Valley currently houses three genocide survivors and
each was invited to serve as an honorary member of the committee.
Their names grace all formal correspondence and will be mentioned in
conjunction with every nuance of the project, which is expected to be
dedicated next April.
They are Nellie Nazarian, Thomas Magarian, and Ojen Fantazian.
`Through their sacrifice and vision, generations have prospered here
and made our heritage and culture one to be admired,' said
Jeknavorian. `It's a meaningful gesture of gratitude for all they've
done to preserve and advance our history.'
by Tom Vartabedian
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2012/05/05/elaborate-genocide-memorial-planned-for-lowell/
May 5, 2012
LOWELL, Mass. - A mother's hands weaving the history of her people.
Displaying an artist's rendition of genocide memorial for Lowell (L-R)
Mayor Patrick Murphy; Daniel Varoujan-Hejinian, artist/designer; and
Armen Jeknavorian, committee chairman.
Such is the theme of an elaborate genocide memorial approved by city
officials during a meeting with organizers from the Merrimack Valley
Armenian community.
Plans for the structure were announced during the 97th anniversary
commemoration in front of City Hall; the monument will be situated
there, to the right of a flagpole that flies the Armenian tricolor
every April 24th.
The estimated cost for the project runs $25,000, which will be
collected through an aggressive fundraising campaign.
The announcement followed six months of plenary work by a pan-Armenian
committee headed by activist Armen Jeknavorian with members of various
church and civic organizations. Middlesex County Sheriff Peter
Koutoujian is also lending insight as honorary chairman.
A three-dimensional motif featuring a mother's hands protruding from
the khatchkar (Armenian cross-stone) serves as an immediate
eye-catcher. At the base are the Armenian words `Ee Heeshadag' (or `In
Remembrance'). The stone measures six feet in height and three feet in
width.
`The delicacy of the crochet integrated into the cross-stone
symbolizes the steadfast richness of the Armenian heritage that has
sustained our ancient people for centuries,' said Hejinian. `Knot by
knot, the Armenian people everywhere weave their hopes and dream as
they grow and prosper. This expression of `weaving' echoes the
Armenian national anthem.'
The theme of weaving a lace cloth into stone appears connected to
Lowell's history, known for its prominent textile industry.
`Lowell accepted immigrants from throughout the world to work the
mills,' added Hejinian. `It is here in which a community of Armenians
was established and flourished from the late 19th century. Just as
this genocide is imprinted in the collective memory of every Armenian,
this cross-stone is the permanent reminder that the ultimate crime
against humanity will never be forgotten or repeated.'
The project was conceived under Mayor James Milinazzo, who lobbied for
a piece of prime land abutting City Hall. He has since been replaced
by Mayor Patrick Murphy, who remains just as enamored of such an
endeavor.
The Armenian memorial will share company with markers from other
nationality groups inside an area known as Monument Park, which
attracts some 100,000 folks each July during an ethnic folk festival.
Its visibility would be profound.
`It'll certainly create an attractive yet meaningful presence,' said
Murphy. `We have a very sizable Armenian presence in the city and this
is a tribute to them. Armenians have overcome extreme adversity.
Together, we'll all share in the human experience - that being peace and
harmony throughout the world.'
Armenians began settling in Lowell before the 1900's as immigrants
came searching for honest work and a safe haven in which to raise
their families, practice their religion, and educate their children.
`The Armenian community became an asset to the growth of Lowell's
economic and social fabric through their industrious spirit, strong
family values, and their devotion to a free society, healthy religious
values, and strong civic pride,' added Murphy.
The Merrimack Valley currently houses three genocide survivors and
each was invited to serve as an honorary member of the committee.
Their names grace all formal correspondence and will be mentioned in
conjunction with every nuance of the project, which is expected to be
dedicated next April.
They are Nellie Nazarian, Thomas Magarian, and Ojen Fantazian.
`Through their sacrifice and vision, generations have prospered here
and made our heritage and culture one to be admired,' said
Jeknavorian. `It's a meaningful gesture of gratitude for all they've
done to preserve and advance our history.'