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Congresswoman Tsongas addresses
Merrimack Valley ANC Observance
By Tom Vartabedian
 LOWELL, Mass.—An appearance by newly elected U.S.
Congresswoman Niki Tsongas highlighted genocide observances
in Lowell on April 19.
The 93rd annual commemoration was conducted by the ANC of
Merrimack Valley with support from various churches and
organizations throughout the area, including Southern New
Hampshire.
Close to 100 attended the ceremony, which was launched by a
procession downtown led by Lowell Armenian-American
veterans, clergy, and youngsters holding banners proclaiming
justice and recognition.
Tsongas was quick to criticize Turkey for not acknowledging
dark chapters in its past, much the same way other countries
have done.
“That is why I’m proud to co-sponsor the Armenian Genocide
Resolution following my election to Congress this past
fall,” she said. “This is a community dedicated to the
prevention of future crimes against humanity.”
Tsongas told the gathering that while some groups in
Washington, D.C., have denied the genocide and other
atrocities committed by the Ottoman Empire, there is no
question in her mind that when truth is denied, it dishonors
the victims.
“We cannot send a dangerous message to future generations,”
she added. “As we remember the hundreds of thousands of
lives taken in the Armenian Genocide, we must mutually
pledge to never let the events associated with this horrific
tragedy be forgotten by history.”
Tsongas issued a proclamation on behalf of the Fifth
Congressional District “in an effort to increase awareness
and help build a better economy in Armenia by promoting
trade and investment.”
Also introduced was Alin Gregorian, editor of the Armenian
Mirror-Spectator, who recounted some of her own family
experiences, including the murder of her great-uncle, a
physician in Baku.
“Whether the coverage is in our paper or other forms of
media, I’ve been fascinated both by the stories themselves
and how well they present the events,” she said. “I find
there is something abstract about it. The figure is so high,
the atrocities so intense, the horror so overwhelming, that
it is beyond the realm of human comprehension.”
Gregorian emphasized the need for collective action among
Armenians, such as events surrounding the Anti-Defamation
League (ADL) and its denial of the genocide.
“Through cooperation, we succeeded in convincing communities
to pull out of the ADL-sponsored No Place for Hate,” she
told the crowd. “We did it by working with the Jewish
community, which was instrumental in helping the Armenian
community. As Armenians, we must stand for justice and human
rights. We are no longer victims. We are a voice for
justice.”
City councilor Alan Kazanjian, the first Lowell Armenian
elected to public office, read a proclamation drafted by
Mayor Edward C. “Bud” Caulfield that paid tribute to the
immigrants who helped bolter his city’s economic and social
fabric.
“Armenians fled increasing oppression from the
Ottoman-Turkish Empire during the last century and
immigrated to America in search of a free society,” he
proclaimed. “They hoped to follow democratic principles,
live in dignity and without fear. Their devotion to a free
society, healthy religious values, and strong civic pride
must be recognized.”
Representing the North Andover AYF as its past president was
Megerdich “Mgo” Kassabian, this year’s winner in an essay
contest sponsored by the Armenian Genocide Commemorative
Committee of Merrimack Valley.
“I stand before you as a proud but angry Armenian,” he said.
“Proud to be part of an active generation but angry because
justice has not been realized. We owe it to the dwindling
number of survivors to keep the voice of Armenia strong and
constantly pursue awareness.”
Tyler Kazanjian, president of the ACYOA, told how his own
ancestors were put through a horrific ordeal in the Syrian
desert.
“This race of hard-working, family-oriented, God-loving
people had its world turned upside down overnight at the
hands of the Turks,” he said. “It is up to the youth to take
on the challenge of creating a new Armenia by living our
identity and practicing our culture. The rights of our
martyrs must be remembered with dignity.”
Veterans formed an honor guard as the tricolor was hoisted
above City Hall.
Other speakers were vice-mayor Rita Mercier and Ara
Jeknavorian, who served as master of ceremonies.
Prayers were offered by Rev. Vartan Kassabian, pastor of the
St. Gregory Church of North Andover, and Rev. Khachatur
Kesablyan, pastor of the Sts. Vartanantz Church of
Chelmsford.
A reception followed under the direction of the Lowell ARS
and the Sts. Vartanantz Women’s Guild where the Ani Ensemble
played music appropriate for the occasion.
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