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KFSN (ABC News)
April 25 2013
Valley Armenians remember 1915 killings
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Rick Montanez
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- California Governor Jerry Brown declared
April 24 as a "Day of Remembrance of The Armenian Genocide." That's
something the federal government, including the President, has never
done.
Wednesday, Armenians across the Valley remembered the one and half
million Armenians killed by the Ottoman Empire 98 years ago.
Many say the federal government is failing Armenians for not
officially recognizing the genocide. But they're praising Governor
Brown for his acknowledgement.
Hundreds gathered to pray at the Pilgrim Armenian Congregational
Church in Central Fresno. They were praying for their relatives and
others killed in 1915.
"My great-grandparents were there and they were beheaded and
massacred," said Fresno resident Nancy Berberian-Thompson. "For me it
has a true meaning because it did affect my family directly."
The killing of a million and half Armenians nearly 100 years ago still
weighs heavily on many. "It's important to remember where we came
from, to know why we're who we are," said the church's pastor Ara
Guekguezian.
In a statement from the White House, President Obama avoided the term
genocide. He said, in part, "I have consistently stated my own view of
what occurred in 1915, and my view has not changed. A full, frank, and
just acknowledgement of the facts is in all of our interests."
"We are not hearing from the President or others that this actually
happened," Berberian-Thompson complained. "It was an atrocity and they
need to hold Turkey accountable."
But the former U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, who lost his job fighting
for recognition of the Armenian genocide, defended the President's
statement. "The foreign policy establishment has its very complicated
considerations, so I think it would be wrong to pin this all on Mr.
Obama," John Evans said. "It's a much bigger problem."
Armenians across California are happy with Governor Jerry Brown, who
released this statement: "The Armenian Genocide, also known as the
"First Genocide of the Twentieth Century," represented a deliberate
attempt by the Ottoman Empire to eliminate all traces of a thriving,
noble civilization."
"It's really important to use the word genocide," Berberian-Thompson said.
The remembrance of those killed in 1915 will continue in Fresno this
weekend with a Commemoration at the Soghomon Tehlirian Memorial Statue
on Sunday, April 28 from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
The Governor's and President's full statements are below.
Between 1915 and 1923, Armenians were subjected to torture,
starvation, mass murder and exile from their historic homeland. 1.5
million lost their lives. The Armenian Genocide, also known as the
"First Genocide of the Twentieth Century," represented a deliberate
attempt by the Ottoman Empire to eliminate all traces of a thriving,
noble civilization.
Armenian communities all over the world commemorate this tragedy on
April 24. On this day, we honor the victims and survivors of the
genocide, and reaffirm our commitment to preventing future atrocities
from being committed against any people.
NOW THEREFORE I, EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor of the State of
California, do hereby proclaim April 24, 2013, as "Day of Remembrance
of the Armenian Genocide."
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great
Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 18th day of April
2013.
Edmund G. Brown Jr.
Governor of California
Statement by the President on Armenian Remembrance Day Today we
commemorate the Meds Yeghern and honor those who perished in one of
the worst atrocities of the 20th century. Ninety-eight years ago, 1.5
million Armenians were massacred or marched to their deaths in the
final days of the Ottoman Empire. We pause to reflect on the lives
extinguished and remember the unspeakable suffering that occurred. In
so doing, we are joined by millions across the world and in the United
States, where it is solemnly commemorated by our states, institutions,
communities, and families. We also remind ourselves of our commitment
to ensure that such dark chapters of history are not repeated.
I have consistently stated my own view of what occurred in 1915, and
my view has not changed. A full, frank, and just acknowledgement of
the facts is in all of our interests. Nations grow stronger by
acknowledging and reckoning with painful elements of the past, thereby
building a foundation for a more just and tolerant future. We
appreciate this lesson in the United States, as we strive to reconcile
some of the darkest moments in our own history. We recognize those
courageous Armenians and Turks who have already taken this path, and
encourage more to do so, with the backing of their governments, and
mine.
The history and legacy of the Armenian people is marked by an
indomitable spirit, and a great resiliency in the face of tremendous
adversity and suffering. The United States is stronger for the
contributions Armenian-Americans have made to our society, our
culture, and our communities. In small measure we return that
contribution by supporting the Armenian people as they work toward
building a nation that would make their ancestors proud: one that
cherishes democracy and respect for human liberty and dignity.
Today we stand with Armenians everywhere in recalling the horror of
the Meds Yeghern, honoring the memory of those lost, and affirming our
enduring commitment to the people of Armenia.
http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=9078350
April 25 2013
Valley Armenians remember 1915 killings
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Rick Montanez
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- California Governor Jerry Brown declared
April 24 as a "Day of Remembrance of The Armenian Genocide." That's
something the federal government, including the President, has never
done.
Wednesday, Armenians across the Valley remembered the one and half
million Armenians killed by the Ottoman Empire 98 years ago.
Many say the federal government is failing Armenians for not
officially recognizing the genocide. But they're praising Governor
Brown for his acknowledgement.
Hundreds gathered to pray at the Pilgrim Armenian Congregational
Church in Central Fresno. They were praying for their relatives and
others killed in 1915.
"My great-grandparents were there and they were beheaded and
massacred," said Fresno resident Nancy Berberian-Thompson. "For me it
has a true meaning because it did affect my family directly."
The killing of a million and half Armenians nearly 100 years ago still
weighs heavily on many. "It's important to remember where we came
from, to know why we're who we are," said the church's pastor Ara
Guekguezian.
In a statement from the White House, President Obama avoided the term
genocide. He said, in part, "I have consistently stated my own view of
what occurred in 1915, and my view has not changed. A full, frank, and
just acknowledgement of the facts is in all of our interests."
"We are not hearing from the President or others that this actually
happened," Berberian-Thompson complained. "It was an atrocity and they
need to hold Turkey accountable."
But the former U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, who lost his job fighting
for recognition of the Armenian genocide, defended the President's
statement. "The foreign policy establishment has its very complicated
considerations, so I think it would be wrong to pin this all on Mr.
Obama," John Evans said. "It's a much bigger problem."
Armenians across California are happy with Governor Jerry Brown, who
released this statement: "The Armenian Genocide, also known as the
"First Genocide of the Twentieth Century," represented a deliberate
attempt by the Ottoman Empire to eliminate all traces of a thriving,
noble civilization."
"It's really important to use the word genocide," Berberian-Thompson said.
The remembrance of those killed in 1915 will continue in Fresno this
weekend with a Commemoration at the Soghomon Tehlirian Memorial Statue
on Sunday, April 28 from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
The Governor's and President's full statements are below.
Between 1915 and 1923, Armenians were subjected to torture,
starvation, mass murder and exile from their historic homeland. 1.5
million lost their lives. The Armenian Genocide, also known as the
"First Genocide of the Twentieth Century," represented a deliberate
attempt by the Ottoman Empire to eliminate all traces of a thriving,
noble civilization.
Armenian communities all over the world commemorate this tragedy on
April 24. On this day, we honor the victims and survivors of the
genocide, and reaffirm our commitment to preventing future atrocities
from being committed against any people.
NOW THEREFORE I, EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor of the State of
California, do hereby proclaim April 24, 2013, as "Day of Remembrance
of the Armenian Genocide."
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great
Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 18th day of April
2013.
Edmund G. Brown Jr.
Governor of California
Statement by the President on Armenian Remembrance Day Today we
commemorate the Meds Yeghern and honor those who perished in one of
the worst atrocities of the 20th century. Ninety-eight years ago, 1.5
million Armenians were massacred or marched to their deaths in the
final days of the Ottoman Empire. We pause to reflect on the lives
extinguished and remember the unspeakable suffering that occurred. In
so doing, we are joined by millions across the world and in the United
States, where it is solemnly commemorated by our states, institutions,
communities, and families. We also remind ourselves of our commitment
to ensure that such dark chapters of history are not repeated.
I have consistently stated my own view of what occurred in 1915, and
my view has not changed. A full, frank, and just acknowledgement of
the facts is in all of our interests. Nations grow stronger by
acknowledging and reckoning with painful elements of the past, thereby
building a foundation for a more just and tolerant future. We
appreciate this lesson in the United States, as we strive to reconcile
some of the darkest moments in our own history. We recognize those
courageous Armenians and Turks who have already taken this path, and
encourage more to do so, with the backing of their governments, and
mine.
The history and legacy of the Armenian people is marked by an
indomitable spirit, and a great resiliency in the face of tremendous
adversity and suffering. The United States is stronger for the
contributions Armenian-Americans have made to our society, our
culture, and our communities. In small measure we return that
contribution by supporting the Armenian people as they work toward
building a nation that would make their ancestors proud: one that
cherishes democracy and respect for human liberty and dignity.
Today we stand with Armenians everywhere in recalling the horror of
the Meds Yeghern, honoring the memory of those lost, and affirming our
enduring commitment to the people of Armenia.
http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=9078350