Armenian Heritage Park Hits a Fenway Homer

Taking the podium, he wasted no time in creating a stir by announcing Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian as the next skipper of the Boston Red Sox.

“Management could do a lot worse,” he joked with a smile.

Lobel felt at home here in more ways than one. He warmed up to the crowd and chatted with former Emmy Award-winning meteorologist Mish Michaels, whose married name is Atamian.

“This has to be the friendliest place I’ve ever been,” he admitted. “I’m a little overwhelmed by all this. The cause is genuine. “Human rights is something we must embrace throughout our daily lives,” he added. “This memorial is a tribute to the generations who endured many hardships to make America the land of their dreams. It fits the project. I can’t wait to see the Labyrinth.”

Despite his ailment, Lobel has a vision. He wants to walk that labyrinth at Heritage Park, which celebrates his “journey of life,” whether with crutches or not.

“It’s very spiritual,” he added. “For Boston, it’s another proud moment, a wonderful gift. Whoever thought of it deserves a lot of credit.”

Lobel was moved by a documentary he had seen on The Armenian Genocide and implores the United States to officially recognize this moment in history.

“It’s one of those untold stories of horror,” he pointed out. “At what level will people go to

gain power? It continues today. To ignore it would be a travesty.”

Mullan’s efforts toward the project proved invaluable from the inception. Prior to serving as secretary of transportation from 2009-2011, he was executive director of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority. He has been involved with the project since 2007.

“It’s the best example of a public-private partnership you can find,” he said. “The Armenian community generously gave the city of Boston a gift.”

The path was not always smooth and laden with crevices.

“People who managed the Greenway didn’t want it,” he confessed. “The Turks didn’t want it. There was a strong undercurrent. Even Mayor [Thomas] Menino had some reservations about the project before finally coming around to support it. At the end of the day, this became a state asset. The Armenian community should be proud of what’s been accomplished here.”

Mullen said the monument will touch all nations who have endured hardship, not just the Armenians.

“It’ll remain a beacon of peace and harmony throughout the world,” he noted. “People will be attracted to it because it affects us all. It will remind us all that the events surrounding 1915 should never be repeated.”

Koutoujian showed his usual exuberance in opening the program. He continues to remain an avid proponent of the endeavor and helped with legislative issues while still a state representative. “There are so many milestones in Boston and this will be among them,” he emphasized. “The photos you now see set their own stage of development, one step at a time.”

He was joined at the dais by Rachel Kaprielian, former state representative and now registrar of Motor Vehicles. Together, the two co-hosted many a Genocide commemoration on Beacon Hill.

Kaprielian praised those such as Mullan for their initiative in getting the project off the ground and running.

“I feel very fortunate to have worked with people like that,” she said.

Background music was performed by the John Baboian Ensemble. A buffet line conformed to the surroundings; on the menu were Fenway franks and chili.

Guests toured the park and lingered throughout the evening, rekindling friendships while supporting an earnest cause.