Eench Ga Chga

EMMA SHALJYAN – Staff Writer

What expectations do you have for the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide?

Julia Aghayan
Senior
Major: Psychology

The deaths of over 1.5 million Armenians is unrecognized in many countries around the world today. It is essential to me, for Armenians and non-Armenians alike, to continue disseminating facts of the Genocide, simply so the world may know our history—the struggles our ancestors endured and the sacrifices they made so that we may still call ourselves the first Christian nation, and may still call ourselves Armenian. My hope for the 100th anniversary is to see the Armenian Genocide accepted as a significant historical event.

Ovsanna Simonyan
Junior
Major: International Business

I expect to see a lot of diversity, internet exposure, and personal touches. Genocide is a very sensitive topic that needs to be addressed and taught not only in an informational matter, but on a personal level, with examples that will touch the hearts of others, who in return will also fight for recognition. The internet plays a huge role in our lives today. It is a great tool for exposure and needs to be used tactically to make media about the Genocide go viral all over the news and all around the world. I want to see Fresno State and the Fresno community involved in planning and implementing activities to bring awareness of the Genocide.

Knarik Kazaryan
Senior
Major: Biology

My expectations are for Americans and Armenians both. I can only expect with hope for America to finally recognize the Genocide. We have all long awaited this step, being the only barrier for final justice. My expectations for Armenians are to never give up and stand firm regardless of what anniversary it is. If we do not commemorate in our hearts, no one will do it for us.

David Tataryan
Senior
Major: Computer Science

Should the Armenian Genocide be recognized by the United States on the 100th anniversary? My response, it shouldn’t have taken this long. Countries in other parts of the world push to recognize the Genocide, and the United States should follow suit. I expect the recognition of the genocide that took the lives of 1.5 million people 99 years ago to be delivered by the United States by the 100th anniversary. Enough is enough.

Photos: Barlow Der Mugrdechian