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Commemoration in Greenwich
By Armand Andreassian
 On April 24, a gathering of approximately 50 gathered for a
ceremony and flag raising in front of Greenwich Town Hall in
Connecticut to commemorate the 93rd anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide. Daniel and Sara Mushegian were the
organizers of this event who had approached the selectmen
for their cause.
Father Kasparian of St. Gregory’s Armenian Church of White
Plains, N.Y. where most of the attendees are parishioners,
led the group in prayer.
Pror to the raising of the tri-color flag, the speaker
explained the meaning of the colors and especially made
reference to the color blue, which represents the sky. That
day’s weather in fact was a typical Yerevan day, sunny and
clear. A translated poem of Hovanes Toumayan was read.
As the flag was raised and lowered to half-mast, “Mer
Hairenik” could be heard playing softly in the background.
The flagpole supporting the Armenian flag was the first of
three, among the Connecticut State flag and the flag of the
United States.
Present at the gathering were Harry and Edna Kaleshian of
Greenwich who provided refreshments. Armen Proudian, a
prominent rug merchant in town, and Michelle Ekizian, a
composer of many admired works (including St. Gregory’s
light which was composed for the dedication of the
Westchester Church) were also prsent.
Perer Tesi, the first selectman of Greenwich whose role is
analogous to that of mayor, said he was pleased to have
participated in the ceremony.
It was a small gathering, a ceremony of short duration in a
small town. If one thinks about the numerous potential of
similar acts taking place all over the country...what an
impact that could have!
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