Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Denise Altounian, Andrew Esguerra, Tamar Karkazian,and Emma Shaljyan
Staff Writers
Photo: Artashes Frangulyan
April, although a sad month for Armenians, is a time that highlights the strength of Armenians across the world, both in Armenia and in the Diaspora—young and old. It is in April that Armenians come together to commemorate the Armenian Genocide and this year the Armenian Community came together for a series of events.
The Armenian Students Organization was active in raising awareness in the community, but especially on the Fresno State campus. The Associated Students, Inc. partially funded the April 24 activities.
One of the main events for the week was the Annual Armenian Genocide Commemoration in the Free Speech Area. Held on Wednesday, April 24, the event brought together both Fresno State students and the Armenian community. An added element this year was a silent protest at noon, immediately preceding the main commemorative event. During the silent protest, ASO members held different posters and signs they have made especially for this event.
A large audience had gathered by 1:00PM to participate in the main commemorative event. Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian of the Armenian Studies Program briefly welcomed the audience and gave remarks about the significance of the Genocide. ASO President Hagop Ohanessian then followed with his thoughts about the Genocide.
The Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School students sang “Bidi Gnank” (We are Going), and “Hye Enk Menk” (We are Armenian). Their enthusiasm and passion, along with the choice of songs, emphasized the sentiment that the Armenians had survived the Armenian Genocide.
Three ASO members, Knarik Kazaryan, Lilit Grigoryan, and Benjamin Tanielian, read from the personal testimonies of eyewitnesses to the Genocide and from the words of U.S. officials who had commented on the Genocide. For those who were just learning about the Genocide, this part of the program showcased the historical aspects and provided evidence about the atrocities.
The Arax Armenian Dancers of Fresno, led by Zar Der Mugrdechian, followed with a traditional Armenian dance.
Following concluding remarks by ASO Vice-President Marine Vardanyan, ASO members Kevork Ajamian, Tatevik Hovhannisyan, Ruzan Orkusyan, and Emma Shaljyan sang “Garun A” (It is Spring), accompanied by Aramais Orkusyan playing the guitar. This Komidas piece was appropriate, as those in attendance placed flowers on the model of the Armenian Martyrs Monument.
ASO also raised awareness earlier in the week with an informational table on Monday, April 22, in the Free Speech area of campus. They passed out brochures, as well as answered questions by students.
On Tuesday evening, April 23, the ASO screened the documentary “The River Ran Red,” by J. Michael Hagopian, which was then followed by a night vigil. This film captured the testimony of Genocide survivors from around the globe who had been witness to the horrors. Immediately following the showing, those gathered solemnly walked from the Industrial Technology building to the Free Speech Platform in silence.
Community Events
Two other events took place on April 24, a Flag Raising at City Hall in the morning, and the Community Commemoration later in the evening, taking place at the Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church. For the hundreds in attendance, they heard messages of the importance of remembering our past without allowing it to hinder our future. The sermons reminded the audience of what a strong and thriving people the Armenians are. While the Genocide is a significant part of the past, the Armenian people have never allowed it to impede their progress and success. As Pastor Ara Guekguezian so poignantly stated, the memory of 1915 will always be in our hearts, however it must never entangle us, but instead inspire us.
The special guest keynote speaker for the evening was former United States ambassador to Armenia, John Marshall Evans. Mr. Evans served as ambassador to Armenia from 2004-2006, before he was forced to leave his position early, as a result of his outspokenness on the issue of Genocide, and his willingness to characterize the events of 1915 as Genocide. Ambassador Evans gave the audience an insight on the current status of the Republics of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as his thoughts on the future of Genocide recognition.
On Sunday, April 20, Armenian youth groups in Fresno, the Armenian Youth Federation, Homenetmen, and ASO organized a commemorative event at Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church. The program included a number of performances by each of the organizations.
ASO members recited a poem by Paruyr Sevag, “We are Few in Numbers, but We are Armenian.” The students added a visual element, by creating an large Armenian flag as they recited.
ASO’s theme for their commemorative activities this year was “Hands on Human Rights,” to emphasize the importance of getting involved with getting justice. And this group of students did just that.