ASO Organizes Week Long Series of Events to Commemorate the Armenian Genocide

Ruzan Orkusyan
Staff Writer

The 96th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide has passed and yet some still deny its very existence. Nonetheless, Armenians remember, honor, and fight for recognition every year. This year, as for the past forty years, the Armenian Student Organization at Fresno State, in cooperation with the Armenian Studies Program, decided to participate in that cause by spearheading a week of activities, April 25-27, commemorating the Armenian Genocide.

As representatives of the younger generation, ASO is proud of Armenian culture and therefore wanted to spread knowledge of the Armenian Genocide to classmates, faculty, and community members. The goal of the Commemorative events was to raise awareness of the Genocide and to provide more information to those willing to learn. One cannot force others to believe or accept the Genocide, but through determination, dedication, tireless persistence and remembrance, others can learn about the Genocide.

The Commemoration began at noon on Monday, April 25th, with an event held at the Fresno State Free Speech Area. ASO President Tamar Karkazian gave the opening remarks, along with fellow ASO Executive members.

Students from the Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School then proudly sang the Armenian National Anthem, “Mer Hayrenik.” It was inspiring to see such young people proudly presenting their culture and heritage.

Guest speaker Fresno County Supervisor Debbie Poochigian gave a touching speech, recounting stories of her own grandmother and her husband’s grandmother, both survivors of the Genocide.

Vicken Abassian, Phillip Der Mugrdechian, Lucas Der Mugrdechian, and Michael Rettig of the Arax Dancers Armenian presented three traditional Armenian dances: “Loree,” “Vagharshapat,” and “Jojan.” The dancers attracted much attention from students who were impressed by the unique style and music of the dances, choreographed by Arax Dancer director Zar Der Mugrdechian.

The reading of William Saroyan’s piece “The Armenian and the Armenian” by middle school student Nareg Apkarian, high school student Shahen Ohanian, and college student Lilit Grigoryan, reinforced the idea of a united Armenia and unified Armenians.

The Commemoration concluded with Tatevik Hovhannisyan, Faten Kassabian, Ruzan Orkusyan, and Emma Shaljyan singing an emotional rendition of “Cilicia,” while the audience members placed carnations on the replica of the Armenian Martyrs Monument. It was an exciting and emotional event that Armenians and non-Armenians alike enjoyed. It was encouraging to see so many people attend the event and still many more students stop by on their way to class.

The events continued on Tuesday night, when the Armenian Students Organization featured a screening of the documentary “The Armenian Genocide” This one-hour documentary examined what happened and why, in what has been called one of the greatest untold stories of the twentieth century. A candlelight vigil was held after the movie. Attendees were provided with candles, and then walked to the Free Speech area while listening solemnly to the enchanting melody of “Dele Yaman.”

At the Free Speech area a moment of silence was held for the 1.5 million victims of the Genocide. The year 1915 had been drawn in chalk on the concrete with votive candles lighting the numbers. ASO President Karkazian and Vice President Vartush Mesropyan gave some brief remarks. To conclude the vigil, everyone joined together in singing Der Voghormia [Lord Have Mercy]. It was a very emotional evening and everyone enjoyed the event.

These two events brought together Armenians of all ages and backgrounds. It was truly touching to see so many Armenians come together to mourn, but more importantly to remind the world that the Armenians stand strong. in their dedication and pride of culture. As a community, ASO reiterated that no matter how many years pass, students will never forget the history of the Armenian people and the atrocities of 1915.