Greater Washington D.C. Armenians Commemorate Genocide

"The Armenian Weekly", Volume 74, No. 18, May 3, 2007

WASHINGTON—Armenian-Americans from throughout the southern Maryland, northern Virginia, and Washington, D.C. area joined together on April 20 at the Soorp Khatch Armenian Church Arabian Hall for the annual community commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, hosted by the Armenian Genocide Commemorative Committee of Greater Washington.

Participants young and old gathered to remember the 1.5 million Armenians who had perished, to honor the survivors, and to recommit to efforts to secure justice for the Armenian Genocide. The program began with the presentation of moving biographies of genocide survivors Yeretsgeen Sirarpi Khoyan and Loosadzeen Tatarian, read as each entered the hall for the solemn remembrance, following the Greater Washington Homenetmen Armenian Scout troop color guard.

Keynote speakers of the day included Armenian Weekly editor Khatchig Mouradian, ANCA legislative affairs director Raffi Karakashian, and the senior foreign policy advisor for Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Greg Aftandilian. Each focused on the role of continued community and political activism to raise awareness about the Armenian Genocide and vigilance to end the cycle of genocide—already seen in the 21st century with the ongoing atrocities in Darfur.

Mouradian praised the growing commitment of youth to take action against genocide, citing a recent discussion at a Massachusetts high school, where some 350 students gathered to hear his remarks about the Armenian Genocide at a “Genocide Awareness Day” assembly organized by the students.

Karakashian and Aftandilian noted the widespread media coverage of the Armenian Genocide following the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s passage of the Armenian Genocide Resolution (H.Res.106) last October. Karakashian asked, “What are the brave waiting for?” (Ov vor katch eh inch guh sbaseh), echoing the words from “Serop’s Song,” written some 100 years ago, but holding great meaning today. He urged communities around the U.S. to work with their local ANC’s to secure proper recognition for the Armenian Genocide.

Master of ceremonies for the program was Antranig Tatarian, whose moving opening remarks urged vigilance in the face of an unrepentant Turkey that continues a multi-million dollar worldwide genocide denial campaign.

Musical and cultural interludes were performed by the Hamasdegh Armenian School students, including young brother and sister team Galine and Hrag Tanashian, whose Armenian poetry recitations brought tears to the eyes of attendees. The program concluded with a moving Armenian dance presentation by the Hamasdegh school students, choreographed by fellow student Arpa Vartanian, followed by a closing prayer offered by Soorp Khatch Church pastor, Rev. Father Sarkis Aktavoukian. Earlier in the day, Rev. Father Aktavoukian had led the congregation in a special requiem service in memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide and a madagh served by the Soorp Khatch Ladies guild.

The commemorative program was part of a series of activities organized by the local Armenian Genocide Commemorative Committee of Greater Washington, chaired by AYF representative Serouj Aprahaphamian. Participating organizations include the Soorp Khatch Armenian Church Board of Trustees, the Soorp Khatch Ladies Guild, the Hamasdegh Armenian School, and the ARF Sebouh Gomideh and its sister organizations, including the local Armenian National Committee, Armenian Relief Society, Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Association, Armenian Youth Federation Seniors and Juniors, and Homenetmen Armenian Athletic and Scouting Association. The Homenetmen had held a special program on April 18th marking the 93rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, with songs and poetry presented by its scouts.