Commemoration in Greenwich

By Armand Andreassian

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

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!