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HUNDREDS JOIN IN CELEBRATION AT ARMENIAN HERITAGE PARK
Armenian Weekly
May 22, 2012
Massachusetts Armenian Leaders Attend Dedication at Armenian Heritage
Park
BOSTON, Mass.-Today Massachusetts and Armenian officials joined
hundreds of attendees from the Armenian community and surrounding
neighborhoods at the dedication of Armenian Heritage Park, the newest
addition to the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway.
A scene from the dedication (Photo by Michael Casey) The park boasts
a reflecting pool, a sculpture to honor the immigration experience,
and a labyrinth of grass and inlaid stone.
Armenian Heritage Park is a gift from the Massachusetts' Armenian
American community to the citizens of the Commonwealth and the City
of Boston and is meant for citizens of all ages to enjoy year-round.
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, Mayor Thomas M. Menino,
Congressman Edward J. Markey, and Middlesex Sheriff Peter J.
Koutoujian were among the Massachusetts elected leaders that voiced
their support at the dedication in celebration of Armenian Heritage
Park.
Armenian Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian, Minister of Diaspora
Hranush Hakobyan, and Ambassador of Republic of Armenia to the
United States Tatoul Markarian were also in attendance on behalf
of the Republic of Armenia. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Archbishop
Oshagan Choloyan, and Archbishop Vicken Aykazian led the audience in
a blessing for the dedication.
"This is a proud symbol of resilience for our Armenian community
and our Commonwealth," said Patrick. "It is a tribute to those who
have, against many odds, contributed so much to Massachusetts, and
a marker for future generations to see our state as a place to reach
for their dreams."
Hundreds gathered under the rain (Photo by Michael Casey) Boston has
long served as an entryway for immigrants from around the world. Not
far from Armenian Heritage Park is Faneuil Hall, where New England's
leaders showed early on strong support and advocacy for Armenia and
human rights.
"Boston has and will continue to be a shining example of how
a culturally diverse community can succeed," added Menino. "I am
honored by the gift of the Armenian Heritage Park to the city of
Boston as it will always serve as a tribute to the achievements of
our vibrant and successful Armenian American community."
The park includes a 12-sided, shape-shifting sculpture surrounded by
a reflecting pool representing the immigrant communities renewed and
reshaped in Massachusetts. On the outer circle of the labyrinth the
names of the Armenian immigrants who distinguished themselves in the
arts, science, education, commerce, and public service are etched.
"Once again, it is at Armenian Heritage Park that we come together
to talk, think, learn, laugh, and remember," said James Kalustian,
president of the Armenian Heritage Foundation. "The Armenian Heritage
Park continues to symbolize Armenian immigrants, who overcame so much
and contributed so greatly to American culture and society."
The Armenian Heritage Foundation was established in 2005, and is
comprised of over 35 Armenian religious, cultural, educational, and
philanthropic organizations throughout Massachusetts. It is through a
true community wide effort that the Armenian Heritage Park has become
a reality and a symbol for hope, rebirth, and triumph.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
Armenian Weekly
May 22, 2012
Massachusetts Armenian Leaders Attend Dedication at Armenian Heritage
Park
BOSTON, Mass.-Today Massachusetts and Armenian officials joined
hundreds of attendees from the Armenian community and surrounding
neighborhoods at the dedication of Armenian Heritage Park, the newest
addition to the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway.
A scene from the dedication (Photo by Michael Casey) The park boasts
a reflecting pool, a sculpture to honor the immigration experience,
and a labyrinth of grass and inlaid stone.
Armenian Heritage Park is a gift from the Massachusetts' Armenian
American community to the citizens of the Commonwealth and the City
of Boston and is meant for citizens of all ages to enjoy year-round.
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, Mayor Thomas M. Menino,
Congressman Edward J. Markey, and Middlesex Sheriff Peter J.
Koutoujian were among the Massachusetts elected leaders that voiced
their support at the dedication in celebration of Armenian Heritage
Park.
Armenian Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian, Minister of Diaspora
Hranush Hakobyan, and Ambassador of Republic of Armenia to the
United States Tatoul Markarian were also in attendance on behalf
of the Republic of Armenia. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Archbishop
Oshagan Choloyan, and Archbishop Vicken Aykazian led the audience in
a blessing for the dedication.
"This is a proud symbol of resilience for our Armenian community
and our Commonwealth," said Patrick. "It is a tribute to those who
have, against many odds, contributed so much to Massachusetts, and
a marker for future generations to see our state as a place to reach
for their dreams."
Hundreds gathered under the rain (Photo by Michael Casey) Boston has
long served as an entryway for immigrants from around the world. Not
far from Armenian Heritage Park is Faneuil Hall, where New England's
leaders showed early on strong support and advocacy for Armenia and
human rights.
"Boston has and will continue to be a shining example of how
a culturally diverse community can succeed," added Menino. "I am
honored by the gift of the Armenian Heritage Park to the city of
Boston as it will always serve as a tribute to the achievements of
our vibrant and successful Armenian American community."
The park includes a 12-sided, shape-shifting sculpture surrounded by
a reflecting pool representing the immigrant communities renewed and
reshaped in Massachusetts. On the outer circle of the labyrinth the
names of the Armenian immigrants who distinguished themselves in the
arts, science, education, commerce, and public service are etched.
"Once again, it is at Armenian Heritage Park that we come together
to talk, think, learn, laugh, and remember," said James Kalustian,
president of the Armenian Heritage Foundation. "The Armenian Heritage
Park continues to symbolize Armenian immigrants, who overcame so much
and contributed so greatly to American culture and society."
The Armenian Heritage Foundation was established in 2005, and is
comprised of over 35 Armenian religious, cultural, educational, and
philanthropic organizations throughout Massachusetts. It is through a
true community wide effort that the Armenian Heritage Park has become
a reality and a symbol for hope, rebirth, and triumph.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress