Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
By Crissi Jelladian
The Armenian Students Organization (ASO) worked actively with AYF and Homenetmen in planning of events for April 24th Armenian Genocide Day. The Candlelight Vigil, on the evening of April 23rd and the Commemoration Rally, on April 24th were two events held on the Fresno State Campus.
On the 23rd, Armenian Youth from the community gathered at 9 PM around the fountain at Fresno State for a candlelight vigil in commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. Many television stations gathered to capture comments from the youth that joined us. Barring the strong gusts of wind, the young Armenians proceeded slowly down the path in the direction of the New Music building where pianist Vardan Mamikonian was performing. Commemorators stood solemnly awaiting the conclusion of the concert, so that Mamikonian fans could also join in our commemoration service.
Our program began at 10 PM with our first speaker, Crissi Jelladian, President of ASO. She welcomed everyone and told of the symbolism behind the Vigil. She described the Armenians on April 24th in Yerevan gathering at the Armenian Martyr’s Monument to watch the eternal flame burn. They gather, just as Armenians did at Fresno State to seek justice for the injustice which took place. The eternal flame symbolizes the memory of more than 1.5 million Armenians that were killed by the Ottoman Turks 82 years ago. Their memory is eternal and will never be forgotten.
The next speaker, Aznive Tchapadarian, Vice President of ASO, read an excerpt from a William Saroyan book stating his views towards the Turkish people. He shouts at the Turks challenging them to attempt to destroy Armenia, “Feed them only bread and water, burn their homes and see if they won’t laugh, sing, and pray again. For when two Armenians meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a new Armenia.” By these harsh words, he tells the stories of how Armenians suffered, however, despite their tragic experiences they continue to overcome atrocities and create “a new Armenia.”
ASO closed the evening with a few words from our advisor, Barlow Der Mugrdechian, and an invitation to attend our commemoration rally for April 24th.
On Thursday, April 24, 1997, Armenians and non-Armenians throughout the community joined us for our commemoration rally. The speakers for the day expressed a variety of views that touched many. Crissi Jelladian spoke on the prejudice that Armenians experience even today within our own community. She inquired about the amount of contribution it will take to eliminate this prejudice against the Armenian community. She closed her speech by stating, “It is my wish for the future of the Armenian community as a whole, that we focus on our strengths and compassion and continue to enrich both the Armenian and American communities in which we are involved. One note of caution: Be aware of those who bring forth negative viewpoints with no basis and supportive of those who support us and the community in which we live.”
Secondly, Professor Su Kapoor, an expert in the area of Peace and Conflict Studies mentioned the massacres and what effect an apology would have on not only the Armenians, but on our world as a whole. Had the Turkish government 82 years ago admitted the Armenian Genocide, other holocausts could have been eliminated. The denial showed inhuman people such as Adolph Hitler that it was acceptable to massacre people. Kapoor stated, “A simple apology, an I’m sorry, could help to begin the healing process.”
Our third speaker was the district director for Congressman George Radanovich, Steve Samuelian. Mr. Samuelian briefly discussed the history of the Armenian Genocide and continued to describe the unbelievable difficulties experienced when trying to pass the Radanovich- Bonior bill. This bill removes $22 million in economic aid to Turkey until they admit to the occurrence of the Armenian Genocide. Following the passing of this bill in the House of Representatives, Congressman Radanovich found resistance followed by denial in the Senate. Samuelian promised that their efforts would not stop until admittance from the American and Turkish governments regarding the Armenian Genocide occurred.
Lastly, ASO advisor, Barlow Der Mugrdechian read an excerpt from a Michael Krekorian book, Corridor, describing a little boy’s memories of the atrocities. As he read excerpts, he paused to mention lists of families names that were killed in the Genocide. Fresno State student, Diana Karagozian responding to his speech stated, “He said Avedis, that was my grandfather’s name, that really touched me.”
The youth from the three organizations according to Mano Momjian, “helped to make each event throughout the week more successful. This year the events were different, attracting new crowds, and new participants. I feel the outcome was positive and should be continued in the future.”
**I’d like to send a special thanks to Susie, Mano, Mark, Nishan, Adrine, Aznive, and Marie for all of your hard work. Great job guys!!