Special for the Armenian Weekly
BOSTON, Mass.—No sooner had the final prayers been uttered and closing remarks given by State Rep. Jonathan Hecht that the crowd of 400 spectators gathered for a reception in the Massachusetts Statehouse on April 11.
The 99th observance was now history and the crowd couldn’t have seen a more worthy homage to the Armenian Genocide.
They applauded Governor Deval L. Patrick in his rather eclectic tribute to Armenians throughout the Commonwealth, especially with the Heritage Park Project along the Rose Kennedy Greenway. The governor was a strong proponent of the project.
“You’ve helped me during my constituency and I’m here for you,” he told the crowd, mindful of his last term in office.
The crowd joined with the governor in remembering the Boston Marathon bombing that left the region in a state of gloom last April, canceling the observance and leaving both Boston and Watertown in turmoil.
They heard California Attorney Mark Geragos talk at length about restitution and reparations in Turkey and the various lawsuits he’s pursuing throughout the community.
They saw children from St. Stephen’s Elementary School and Armenian Sisters’ Academy hold up genocide photos, the brainchild of Northeastern University activist Anahis Kechejian with her “Stand Up for Your Survivor” mission. And the 50 Homenetmen Scouts who held their place of honor, serving as flag-bearers and guides. They appeared prim and proper in their khaki uniforms.
The audience embraced three survivors in attendance and acknowledged representatives from other persecuted countries like Rwanda and China, eloquently presented by Middlesex County Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian.
A big roar of approval went to the 25 students from Wilmington High School and their instructors Lisa Joe Desberg and Maura Tucker for promoting genocide and human rights studies through the Armenian Genocide Education Committee of Merrimack Valley and Facing History and Ourselves. Projects included letters to Congressional leaders, essays for the Knights of Vartan, and even an Armenian symphony that was debuted locally.
The students began their morning at Heritage Park, then trekked their way to the Statehouse where they were warmly received.
The audience heard House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo talk about the number of Armenians who have entered public office, along with those like Hecht and Sen. William N. Brownsberger who are always seeking justice with their lawful pursuits.
The memory of Very Rev. Father Raphael Andonian reverberated throughout the room. The beloved cleric was a popular figure at these commemorations. He was laid to rest that very evening at Holy Cross Church in Belmont. The mere mention of his name left Koutoujian and others choked with emotion.
Donald J. Tellalian, the architect for the Heritage Park, was more than generous in his praise for Boston and the leadership that cultivated this monument.
A crowd of 400 packed the Statehouse chambers to the gills, leaving many on their feet for the 90-minute duration.
“Figure on thousands turning out for the 100th anniversary,” said the Kechejians (Linda and Steve). “No doubt, you would need a much larger setting for Boston.”
Thoughts of the TD Garden Center (old Boston Garden) were suggested by many; it’s site of the Boston Bruins, Celtics, university commencements, and other large events.
Another potential spot is Symphony Hall, bringing into play the FACS (Friends of Armenian Culture Society) genre that organizes Armenian Night at the Pops each June, and moving that event back a couple months.
At least two recommendations called for a more unified approach, jettisoning people to New York and Washington by bus and leaving the local commemorations to the respective churches on a smaller scale.
“A celebration, not a moment of mourning,” recommended Milka Jeknavorian. “To highlight the fact we’ve survived and endured over the past 100 years. Let us showcase our accomplishments.”
Still another suggestion was to rally the crowd around Heritage Park, moving the venue entirely outdoors and holding a reception at one of the nearby hotels, much like the unveiling two years ago.
Special praise went to Lalig Musserian and her committee for their work in planning this observance after a year’s absence.
Tom Vartabedian
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