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HUNDREDS ATTEND AMERICA WE THANK YOU'S LAUNCH OF NEAR EAST FOUNDATION'S TRAVELING EXHIBIT
Monday, March 9th, 2015
Capacity crowd assembles for premiere of traveling Exhibit, "They
Shall Not Perish: The Story of Near East Relief" in LA Public
Library's Rotunda.
Community is encouraged to visit Exhibit by April 30th LOS ANGELES--On
Friday March 6, the intrigue and excitement was palpable in the
Rotunda of the Los Angeles Public Library where over 300 community
members, elected officials and special guests congregated as the
Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region's "America
We Thank You: An Armenian Tribute to Near East Relief" Committee,
in sponsorship with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles
Councilmember Paul Krekorian and the Los Angeles Public Library,
premiered Near East Foundation's traveling Exhibit, "They Shall Not
Perish: The Story of Near East Relief."
The evening's opening reception honoring the legacy of NER--the
United States' oldest Congressionally-sanctioned non-governmental
organization, which for the first time in American history, expressed
the collective generosity and humanitarianism of the American
people--included remarks from AWTY co-chairs Hermineh Pakhanians
and Vanna Kitsinian Esq., Los Angeles Councilmember Paul Krekorian,
Los Angeles City Librarian John F. Szabo, and Director and Curator
of Near East Relief Historical Society, Molly Sullivan Esq., who
traveled from New York to attend the evening's celebratory premiere.
NCA-WR Leadership and Staff, and 'America We Thank You' committee
members, with LA Councilmember Paul Krekorian, City Librarian John
Szabo, Near East Relief Historical Society Curator and Director
Molly Sullivan, Esq., and Principal Librarian of Research & Special
Collections Ani Boyadjian Boghigian
"One hundred years ago, an unprecedented American-led relief effort
thwarted the Turkish scheme of completely annihilating the Armenian
race, as it brought to the world's attention the harrowing facts of
the brutal slaughter of 1.5 million Armenian men, women and children,
the criminal act for which the very word 'genocide' was even coined,"
remarked AWTY co-chair, Vanna Kitsinian, Esq. "Our premiere of this
compelling Exhibit--which illustrates the historical moment when
American and Armenian histories so pivotally intersected--in the
nation's second largest city, home to the largest concentration of
Armenian-Americans, is one of the ways we are continuing to spread
awareness of Near East Relief's historical legacy from 1915-1930
as it rescued and rehabilitated the destitute Armenian refugees and
impoverished orphans whose livelihood has thus ensured our existence
as a thriving Armenian Nation today. After months of collaboration
with the Near East Foundation, the successor of Near East Relief,
we are proud that Near East Foundation chose us to premiere its
traveling Exhibit," added Kitsinian.
"The Near East Relief ensured the survival and sustenance of the
Armenian people through its network of 400 orphanages, hospitals,
clinics, clothing distribution centers, and vocational schools that
provided shelter, nourishment, clothing, medical treatment, and a
means for our ancestors to build and re-build their lives that were
devastated by Genocide," stated AWTY co-chair Hermineh Pakhanians.
"This heroic feat was funded by the $117 million the Near East Relief
raised from concerned citizens in America and throughout the world from
1915-1930, a staggering figure which is equivalent to almost $3 billion
today. This story is a testament of how the American people, not just
the government or politicians, but average American citizens, changed
the course of history, and our committee's purpose is to acknowledge
this American benevolence and generosity," added Pakhanians.
Attendees view the exhibit
Special guests Leslie Diane Coogan Mitchell and Keith Coogan, daughter
and grandson respectively, of the most famous American child actor
in the 1920's, Jackie Coogan, were in attendance and received great
applause when acknowledged by AWTY co-chairs during the program.
In 1924, the Near East Relief launched the "Children's Crusade,"
wherein every school child in the United States was encouraged to
participate in collecting donations, clothing and non-perishable food
for shipment to children overseas, and the child actor Jackie Coogan,
arguably Hollywood's first humanitarian piloted his "Milk Train"
across the United States which made stops in every major U.S. city
to collect the cans and cases of milk, boxes and packages of food,
and money raised, which totaled over $1 million for shipment overseas.
Jackie Coogan's tour received unprecedented media coverage in the U.S.
through newspapers, magazines, and newsreels.
One of the Exhibit's panels is dedicated solely to Jackie Coogan and
alongside archival photographs, narrates his invaluable contribution
to Near East Relief's fundraising efforts spearheaded by the children
of America for the orphaned Armenian children.
"This extraordinary exhibit will give thousands of Angelenos the
opportunity to learn about America's generous humanitarian support
for the Armenian people in our time of great need," said Los Angeles
City Councilmember Paul Krekorian. "I'm incredibly proud that the
City of Los Angeles provided funding for and co-sponsored the Exhibit,
and I look forward to bringing my family and friends to see it. There
is no better way to learn about the bond shared by the American and
Armenian people as we kick-off our local commemoration of the Armenian
Genocide Centennial," said Krekorian.
"The Los Angeles Public Library believes in telling and celebrating
stories," said City Librarian John F. Szabo. "We serve the largest
and most diverse population of any in the nation, and we are proud
to host this Exhibit and share this heroic story," added Szabo.
"The Exhibit begins with a story of great sadness, but it grows to
encompass stories of unparalleled courage, generosity, and hope,"
remarked Director and Curator of Near East Relief Historical Society,
Molly Sullivan, Esq. "Each viewer becomes a part of the Exhibit as
they learn about this vital historical period, and go on to share
this knowledge with their friends and family," continued Sullivan.
Ani Boyadjian Boghigian, Principal Librarian of Research & Special
Collections, was thanked in the remarks by the AWTY co-chairs and
Councilmember Krekorian for being instrumental in facilitating the
Exhibit's premiere at LA Public Library, whose 5,500 daily patrons
will have the opportunity to view the Exhibit until April 30, 2015.
"On the eve of the Armenian Genocide Centennial, as we remember and
honor the martyred lives of our 1.5 million ancestors who suffered
the perils of forced deportation and tragic death, we also pay
special tribute to all those who heard the Armenian pleas for help,
and responded swiftly and generously on an unprecedented and almost
unimaginable scale. On behalf of every Armenian life Near East Relief
rescued, we collectively echo, "America, We Thank You," remarked
ANCA-WR Executive Director Elen Asatryan. "We highly encourage our
Armenian-American community in Southern California to take their family
and friends and visit the Los Angeles Public Library's Central branch
from now until April 30 to witness firsthand this exceptional Exhibit
in honor of such a magnanimous story," added Asatryan.
After the program, guests continued to peruse the impressive
Exhibit, with its 28 color panels measuring an impressive six feet
by three feet, which is comprised of high-quality scans of official
correspondence, biographies of missionaries and relief workers who
lived, volunteered and served on the ground, and includes treasured
archival photographs, some of which have only recently been accessed,
offering new insight to NER's impactful legacy in saving a people
under the threat of total annihilation.
Also on display were original Near East Relief orphan identification
cards belonging to the grandparents of several "America We Thank You"
committee members alongside an original Near East Relief service
medal. Orphan identification cards would include the orphan's photo,
capture an orphan's name, his/her birthplace, birth date, parents'
names if known, the orphanage to which they were assigned, their
orphan number, the trade they specialized in and were signed by the
orphanage's director and the local Near East Relief representative.
Near East Relief medals recognized and honored the invaluable service
of relief workers and volunteers.
The Near East Relief commissioned leading artists of the day to design
impactful posters depicting the suffering and plight of the Armenian
victims, which were circulated throughout the United States and the
world to raise awareness and inspire the donation of funds for the
relief efforts.
Guests were invited to participate in a silent auction featuring
originals of two of these iconic posters printed in 1918.
Noted during the program was the support of guests in attendance
including State Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian, Los Angeles County
Superior Court Judge Zaven Sinanian, Montebello Mayor Jack Hadjinian,
Los Angeles Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell, Glendale City Clerk Ardashes
Kassakhian, Glendale City Councilmember Ara Najarian, Rolling Hills
Estates Councilmember Frank Zerounian, Glendale Community College Board
Trustee Dr. Vahe Peroomian, Pasadena Student Trustee of the Pasadena
City College Board Marshall Lewis, and the representatives of various
religious denominations who were also in attendance, including the
Armenian Prelacy, Diocese, Evangelical Church, Presbyterian United
Congregational Church, and Catholic Archdiocese and Tustin Presbyterian
Church, representative of Great House of Cilicia central executive
board and leaders of community organizations including the A.R.F.,
Armenian Relief Society, Armenian Bar Association, Armenian Missionary
Association of America, Organization of Istanbul Armenians, Armenian
Educational Foundation, Hamazkayin and Homenetmen.
Anoush Catering graciously catered hors d'oeuvres, and Remedy Liquor
donated wine and refreshments for the evening's reception, which was
open to the public and free of charge.
The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the
largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy
organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination
with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the
Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country,
the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community
on a broad range of issues.
http://asbarez.com/132822/hundreds-attend-america-we-thank-you%E2%80%99s-launch-of-near-east-foundation%E2%80%99s-traveling-exhibit/
Monday, March 9th, 2015
Capacity crowd assembles for premiere of traveling Exhibit, "They
Shall Not Perish: The Story of Near East Relief" in LA Public
Library's Rotunda.
Community is encouraged to visit Exhibit by April 30th LOS ANGELES--On
Friday March 6, the intrigue and excitement was palpable in the
Rotunda of the Los Angeles Public Library where over 300 community
members, elected officials and special guests congregated as the
Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region's "America
We Thank You: An Armenian Tribute to Near East Relief" Committee,
in sponsorship with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles
Councilmember Paul Krekorian and the Los Angeles Public Library,
premiered Near East Foundation's traveling Exhibit, "They Shall Not
Perish: The Story of Near East Relief."
The evening's opening reception honoring the legacy of NER--the
United States' oldest Congressionally-sanctioned non-governmental
organization, which for the first time in American history, expressed
the collective generosity and humanitarianism of the American
people--included remarks from AWTY co-chairs Hermineh Pakhanians
and Vanna Kitsinian Esq., Los Angeles Councilmember Paul Krekorian,
Los Angeles City Librarian John F. Szabo, and Director and Curator
of Near East Relief Historical Society, Molly Sullivan Esq., who
traveled from New York to attend the evening's celebratory premiere.
NCA-WR Leadership and Staff, and 'America We Thank You' committee
members, with LA Councilmember Paul Krekorian, City Librarian John
Szabo, Near East Relief Historical Society Curator and Director
Molly Sullivan, Esq., and Principal Librarian of Research & Special
Collections Ani Boyadjian Boghigian
"One hundred years ago, an unprecedented American-led relief effort
thwarted the Turkish scheme of completely annihilating the Armenian
race, as it brought to the world's attention the harrowing facts of
the brutal slaughter of 1.5 million Armenian men, women and children,
the criminal act for which the very word 'genocide' was even coined,"
remarked AWTY co-chair, Vanna Kitsinian, Esq. "Our premiere of this
compelling Exhibit--which illustrates the historical moment when
American and Armenian histories so pivotally intersected--in the
nation's second largest city, home to the largest concentration of
Armenian-Americans, is one of the ways we are continuing to spread
awareness of Near East Relief's historical legacy from 1915-1930
as it rescued and rehabilitated the destitute Armenian refugees and
impoverished orphans whose livelihood has thus ensured our existence
as a thriving Armenian Nation today. After months of collaboration
with the Near East Foundation, the successor of Near East Relief,
we are proud that Near East Foundation chose us to premiere its
traveling Exhibit," added Kitsinian.
"The Near East Relief ensured the survival and sustenance of the
Armenian people through its network of 400 orphanages, hospitals,
clinics, clothing distribution centers, and vocational schools that
provided shelter, nourishment, clothing, medical treatment, and a
means for our ancestors to build and re-build their lives that were
devastated by Genocide," stated AWTY co-chair Hermineh Pakhanians.
"This heroic feat was funded by the $117 million the Near East Relief
raised from concerned citizens in America and throughout the world from
1915-1930, a staggering figure which is equivalent to almost $3 billion
today. This story is a testament of how the American people, not just
the government or politicians, but average American citizens, changed
the course of history, and our committee's purpose is to acknowledge
this American benevolence and generosity," added Pakhanians.
Attendees view the exhibit
Special guests Leslie Diane Coogan Mitchell and Keith Coogan, daughter
and grandson respectively, of the most famous American child actor
in the 1920's, Jackie Coogan, were in attendance and received great
applause when acknowledged by AWTY co-chairs during the program.
In 1924, the Near East Relief launched the "Children's Crusade,"
wherein every school child in the United States was encouraged to
participate in collecting donations, clothing and non-perishable food
for shipment to children overseas, and the child actor Jackie Coogan,
arguably Hollywood's first humanitarian piloted his "Milk Train"
across the United States which made stops in every major U.S. city
to collect the cans and cases of milk, boxes and packages of food,
and money raised, which totaled over $1 million for shipment overseas.
Jackie Coogan's tour received unprecedented media coverage in the U.S.
through newspapers, magazines, and newsreels.
One of the Exhibit's panels is dedicated solely to Jackie Coogan and
alongside archival photographs, narrates his invaluable contribution
to Near East Relief's fundraising efforts spearheaded by the children
of America for the orphaned Armenian children.
"This extraordinary exhibit will give thousands of Angelenos the
opportunity to learn about America's generous humanitarian support
for the Armenian people in our time of great need," said Los Angeles
City Councilmember Paul Krekorian. "I'm incredibly proud that the
City of Los Angeles provided funding for and co-sponsored the Exhibit,
and I look forward to bringing my family and friends to see it. There
is no better way to learn about the bond shared by the American and
Armenian people as we kick-off our local commemoration of the Armenian
Genocide Centennial," said Krekorian.
"The Los Angeles Public Library believes in telling and celebrating
stories," said City Librarian John F. Szabo. "We serve the largest
and most diverse population of any in the nation, and we are proud
to host this Exhibit and share this heroic story," added Szabo.
"The Exhibit begins with a story of great sadness, but it grows to
encompass stories of unparalleled courage, generosity, and hope,"
remarked Director and Curator of Near East Relief Historical Society,
Molly Sullivan, Esq. "Each viewer becomes a part of the Exhibit as
they learn about this vital historical period, and go on to share
this knowledge with their friends and family," continued Sullivan.
Ani Boyadjian Boghigian, Principal Librarian of Research & Special
Collections, was thanked in the remarks by the AWTY co-chairs and
Councilmember Krekorian for being instrumental in facilitating the
Exhibit's premiere at LA Public Library, whose 5,500 daily patrons
will have the opportunity to view the Exhibit until April 30, 2015.
"On the eve of the Armenian Genocide Centennial, as we remember and
honor the martyred lives of our 1.5 million ancestors who suffered
the perils of forced deportation and tragic death, we also pay
special tribute to all those who heard the Armenian pleas for help,
and responded swiftly and generously on an unprecedented and almost
unimaginable scale. On behalf of every Armenian life Near East Relief
rescued, we collectively echo, "America, We Thank You," remarked
ANCA-WR Executive Director Elen Asatryan. "We highly encourage our
Armenian-American community in Southern California to take their family
and friends and visit the Los Angeles Public Library's Central branch
from now until April 30 to witness firsthand this exceptional Exhibit
in honor of such a magnanimous story," added Asatryan.
After the program, guests continued to peruse the impressive
Exhibit, with its 28 color panels measuring an impressive six feet
by three feet, which is comprised of high-quality scans of official
correspondence, biographies of missionaries and relief workers who
lived, volunteered and served on the ground, and includes treasured
archival photographs, some of which have only recently been accessed,
offering new insight to NER's impactful legacy in saving a people
under the threat of total annihilation.
Also on display were original Near East Relief orphan identification
cards belonging to the grandparents of several "America We Thank You"
committee members alongside an original Near East Relief service
medal. Orphan identification cards would include the orphan's photo,
capture an orphan's name, his/her birthplace, birth date, parents'
names if known, the orphanage to which they were assigned, their
orphan number, the trade they specialized in and were signed by the
orphanage's director and the local Near East Relief representative.
Near East Relief medals recognized and honored the invaluable service
of relief workers and volunteers.
The Near East Relief commissioned leading artists of the day to design
impactful posters depicting the suffering and plight of the Armenian
victims, which were circulated throughout the United States and the
world to raise awareness and inspire the donation of funds for the
relief efforts.
Guests were invited to participate in a silent auction featuring
originals of two of these iconic posters printed in 1918.
Noted during the program was the support of guests in attendance
including State Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian, Los Angeles County
Superior Court Judge Zaven Sinanian, Montebello Mayor Jack Hadjinian,
Los Angeles Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell, Glendale City Clerk Ardashes
Kassakhian, Glendale City Councilmember Ara Najarian, Rolling Hills
Estates Councilmember Frank Zerounian, Glendale Community College Board
Trustee Dr. Vahe Peroomian, Pasadena Student Trustee of the Pasadena
City College Board Marshall Lewis, and the representatives of various
religious denominations who were also in attendance, including the
Armenian Prelacy, Diocese, Evangelical Church, Presbyterian United
Congregational Church, and Catholic Archdiocese and Tustin Presbyterian
Church, representative of Great House of Cilicia central executive
board and leaders of community organizations including the A.R.F.,
Armenian Relief Society, Armenian Bar Association, Armenian Missionary
Association of America, Organization of Istanbul Armenians, Armenian
Educational Foundation, Hamazkayin and Homenetmen.
Anoush Catering graciously catered hors d'oeuvres, and Remedy Liquor
donated wine and refreshments for the evening's reception, which was
open to the public and free of charge.
The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the
largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy
organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination
with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the
Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country,
the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community
on a broad range of issues.
http://asbarez.com/132822/hundreds-attend-america-we-thank-you%E2%80%99s-launch-of-near-east-foundation%E2%80%99s-traveling-exhibit/