April 24th Remembered on Campus

By Matthew Maroot
Staff Writer

The pains of the Armenian Genocide echoed throughout the Free Speech Area on Friday April 24, 1998 as Armenians from throughout the community gathered to honor the memories of those who fell victim to the horrendous events of 1915-1923. Even though those Armenians who experienced firsthand the horrors of the Genocide can scarcely talk about it today, they can take solace in the fact that monument constructed at Fresno State consisted of twelve sections representing the twelve provinces ravaged by the Turks. As well, the monument also included a replica of the same pyramid present at the actual Martyrs Monument that was created to represent those living in Armenia and those living in the Diaspora.

In addition to this beautifully constructed memorial, a new tradition began at Fresno State. Beginning this year, the 83rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, and every year hereafter, those who attend the rally will place flowers upon the monument to show their respect for the victims of this tragedy. Every April 24th this is done in Armenia, and now it will be done here at Fresno State.

Friday’s rally which was sponsored by the Armenian Students Organization here at California State University, Fresno was a great success. After an introduction and speech by A.S.O. President Arakel Arisian, Deran Koligian of the Fresno County Board of Supervisors spoke of his personal connection with the Genocide. Koligian spoke of how his mother witnessed firsthand the massacres of 1915 and of the continuing denial of these events by thTurkish government. Koligian stated that as Armenians, we more than anyone need to be reminded of our past. We have done so much and come so far that to give up now would be a great dishonor. Unfortunately, to many Armenians like Deran Koligian, the story of the Genocide is all too personal and clear. And because of this, Armenians the world over will continue to commemorate the Armenian Genocide.

Other speakers at the rally included Professor Isabel Kaprielian, the Henry S. Kazan Professor of Modern Armenian History and Immigration History here at California State University, Fresno, as well as Michael Harutinian, A.S.O. Historian, and Rita Aramian, A.S.O. Secretary.

Professor Barlow Der Mugrdechian of the Armenian Studies Program also spoke of the Armenian Genocide not only in terms of Armenian history, but as part of world history as well. Der Mugrdechian stated that Genocide has been a phenomenon throughout the century, albeit a horrific one. But the Armenian Genocide is of even greater significance in that it was the first Genocide of the 20th century. Der Mugrdechian accurately described it as the prototype of subsequent Genocide. Yet despite this fact, and despite the fact that over 1,500,000 Armenians were brutally massacred between 1915 and 1923, one thing still remains. The Turkish denial of these events. Even with clear and accurate documentation, even by American diplomats, the Armenian Genocide still goes unofficially recognized outside of the Armenian community. And though these events took place some 83 years ago, the Turkish denial remains one of the greatest tragedies of the Genocide.

But fortunately for the Armenians, the memory of the Genocide will never be forgotten. Not to worry, if the efforts put forth by the Armenian students at California State University, Fresno are any indication of how strong the memories of the Armenian Genocide are, then the events of 1915-1923 will never be forgotten.