By Tom Vartabedian
LOWELL, Mass. — “Let our united voices be heard!”
Such was the theme of Armenian Genocide observances conducted by the Armenian National Committee of Merrimack Valley before a gathering of area churches and organizations in this once-prominent mill community where immigrants once planted their roots.
The pan-Armenian event April 24 honored the memory of 1.5 million victims who perished at the hands of the Ottoman Turks during the
first genocide of the 20th century.
In his message, Dro Kanayan called upon genocide education in public schools as being pivotal in securing proper recognition.
“A crime ignored is a crime encouraged,” said Kanayan. “International recognition of the Genocide allows people to have closure on events that shaped their lives and begin the healing process.”