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Kazarian Speaks Up In Commemoration Of The Armenian Genocide

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  • Kazarian Speaks Up In Commemoration Of The Armenian Genocide

    KAZARIAN SPEAKS UP IN COMMEMORATION OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

    State House, Rhode Island
    April 29 2013

    STATE HOUSE - Rep. Katherine S. Kazarian (D-Dist. 63, East Providence),
    a fourth-generation Armenian-American, had the honor of commemorating
    the Armenian genocide of 1915 with a House resolution among her
    colleagues in the House of Representatives last week.

    "I am deeply saddened by the terrors that led my ancestors to this
    country," she said on the House floor Wednesday. "Yet, I am grateful
    for the chance to be here today in the House chamber so that we may
    preserve the memory of their sacrifice and, thereby, work to prevent
    such atrocities in the future."

    Many from the Armenian-American community were present in support
    of the resolution and the chamber's acknowledgement of the 98th
    anniversary of the Armenian genocide. According to the Armenian
    National Institute in Washington D.C., the genocide resulted in the
    death of 1.5 million Armenians between 1915 and 1923. It is estimated
    that close to 2 million Armenians were living in the Ottoman Empire
    just prior to World War I when the Turkish government subjected its
    Armenian population to deportation, expropriation, abduction, torture,
    massacre and starvation.

    Later that evening, Representative Kazarian also had the honor of
    serving as the master of ceremonies for a special commemoration at
    Providence City Hall. The program included a candlelight march from
    Saints Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church to City Hall, a Kamancha
    presentation by David Ayirian and a musical presentation from vocalist
    Shant Eghian. Also present were Central Falls Mayor James Diossa and
    Rep. Jared R. Nunes (D-Dist. 25, Coventry, West Warwick). The event
    was sponsored by the Armenian National Committee of Rhode Island.

    Representative Kazarian said she hopes to remind others of the strength
    and resilience of the human spirit. Americans must always keep faith
    that there are good people in the world who will band together in
    their greatest hours of darkness.

    "While Wednesday was mainly about the Armenian community, it was
    also about our capacity to stay strong for each other in the face
    of terror," she said. "I can't help but think of the tragedies that
    have occurred this year: the Boston marathon bombings, the Sandy Hook
    killings ... and America remains united and hopeful for the future.

    Armenians all over the world still remember the massacre and honor
    our ancestors 98 years after it all began. Certain atrocities may
    never be forgotten, but we must always carry the stories of the past
    in our hearts so that we may trudge forward with more patience and
    wisdom than those who came before us."

    For more information, contact: Brenna McCabe, Publicist State House
    Room 20 Providence, RI 02903 (401) 222-2457

    http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/News/pr1.asp?prid=9221

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