Massachusetts State House Hosts Armenian Genocide 101st Anniversary Commemoration; Governor Baker, Senator Markey, Speaker DeLeo, Ambassador Flynn Speak

Lalig Musserian, chair of the Armenian Genocide Commemoration Planning Committee which organized the State House program, presented Joint Massachusetts Senate and House Resolutions recognizing three entities for their work on behalf of the Armenian community. Dusty Rhodes and her team at Conventures were recognized for their efforts planning the Armenian Genocide centennial events and the recent visit of Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan. Conventures Director of Special Projects David Balfour joined Rhodes on the stage.

The Knights of Vartan Ararat Lodge No. 1 was recognized for its support for numerous Armenian events on a local, national and international level when called upon. Among other things, it consistently underwrote transportation costs for the State House Armenian Genocide commemoration and provided volunteers to ensure its success, as well as supported the Armenian Heritage Park. Present Ararat Lodge Commander Armen Bogossian, and two former Grand Commanders, including Haig Deranian, represented the Knights.

The Armenian Genocide Education Committee of Merrimack Valley, founded in 2008, was recognized for efforts to educate students in the Merrimack Valley area in public schools about the Armenian Genocide. Tom Vartabedian, Dro Kanayan and Dr. Ara Jeknavorian were present to receive the commendation.

Muradian introduced the keynote speaker, Ambassador Raymond Leo Flynn. First, however, Muradian declared, “We will not ever forget out history, and it is incumbent upon us to never let the world forget, either. But, it is also incumbent upon us to highlight our successes. Try as it might, the Turkish government failed. We are succeeding, and no one is going to stop us from being proud Armenians.”

Muradian pointed out that Flynn had been a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1971 to 1979, mayor of Boston from 1984 to 1993, and US ambassador to the Vatican from 1993 to 1997. He said, “Ambassador Raymond Flynn has long been a friend of the Armenian community.” Flynn raised millions of dollars for medical aid and assistance for victims of the 1988 Armenian earthquake and helped organize a humanitarian tour to Armenia.

Flynn reminisced that in his childhood he grew up with a number of Armenian Americans in Boston neighborhoods who were family friends and became familiar with Armenian culture. He said, “This was a culture we came to respect and understand.” He read studies about Armenia, and learned from George Keverian. Flynn said he was proud that he was able to raise money for aid from many non-Armenians as well as Armenians for the Armenian earthquake victims.

He stressed the power of one voice, and the importance of each person in the struggle against injustice in the world. He related an anecdote about a retired telephone worker setting in motion a movement to rectify an injustice in the US.

On a different level, Flynn said, “I have never been more proud to be a Catholic than I was when Pope Francis called the atrocities of 1915 Genocide — that opened up the door!” This happened, he continued, because of people who refused to forget about the past.

He pointed out that genocide continues to take place in the world. The killings of Christians in the Middle East is one example. Armenians must continue to bring their story to the public’s attention in a grassroots movement for freedom and justice today, he added.

Rep. James Miceli introduced the musical program presented by the Zankagner Performing Arts Ensemble, with Artistic Director Hasmik Konjoyan, and a moving performance by Emily Gasparian on violin and her mother Jasmin Atabekyan on piano. Miceli proudly stated that he was Armenian on his mother’s side.

Dr. Jack Keverian then announced that the Keverian family was organizing an annual scholarship program in memory of former Massachusetts Speaker George Keverian. Jack, brother of the late Speaker, said that the family intends to create an award “that will be truly inspiration in a world…that must never forget that certain basic principles of humanity and justice are critical to the survival of our society and civilization.”

Keverian said that in his family, the Armenian Genocide and the Great Depression were “the most important events that shaped our lives,” though they happened either before or just after the Keverian children were born. Even as a high school valedictorian, Keverian said, his brother George had identified his core beliefs. As a politician, George became known as “the speaker who believed in democracy,” and one who “helped countless people in need…without expecting anything in return.”

He also was the one to institute the annual commemoration of the Armenian Genocide at the State House 31 years ago.

State Sen. Will Brownsberger introduced Gov. Charlie Baker. The governor initially directed part of his speech to the many children in the audience. He said that there are some people who refuse to acknowledge history, and the terrible things that were done to Armenians 101 years ago. It is important to honor and recognize that history, he said.

Turning to the broader audience, Baker said, “The Armenian community has been an incredible asset, culturally, economically, and in almost every way that I can think of, to the rich tapestry that is the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. And we are honored and pleased that so many people from the Armenian community chose to make Massachusetts their home.” He described the recent visit of the president of Armenia to the State House, with a special ceremonial reception followed by lunch in the State House. He said, “It was a glorious day, and we were thrilled to have him here.”

The governor ended with the following very touching and heartening words: “I just want you to know, speaking on behalf of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the people of Massachusetts, that we are truly grateful for everything the Armenian community has done for the people here in Massachusetts and for the culture and the community that is Massachusetts, and we will always, always have your back.”

Before leaving, he went over to speak with the lone Armenian Genocide survivor at the event, Asdghig “Starrie” Alemian, 106 years old, and asked what she was thinking of today. He then told the audience that she said it was her parents, and that this shows the personal nature of genocide. It affects families and individuals, who lose their loved ones.

Afterwards, Brownsberger thanked the participants and organizers of the event. Fr. Mikael Der Kosrofian of Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church, gave the benediction and closing prayers.

The event officially was hosted by Senator Brownsberger and Representatives Hecht, Rogers, Lawn, Muradian, and Miceli. The presence of members of the consular corps, leaders of human rights groups, and a number of other Massachusetts officials gave added gravity and community support to the occasion. The following were publicly recognized: State Rep. Kevin Honan of Brighton; State Rep. James Kelcourse of Amesbury; State Rep. Joseph W. McGonagle, Jr., of Everett; Massachusetts Councilor Marilyn Devaney; Watertown Town Council Vice President Vincent Piccirilli and Town Councilor Lisa Feltner; Vice Chair of the Belmont Board of Selectman Sami Baghdady and Selectman Jim Williams; Canadian consul general David Alward; Honorary Consul of Poland Marek Leśniewski-Laas; Acting Consul General of Germany Helmut Landen; Consul General of France Valéry Freland; Honorary Council of Chile Dr. Philip Charles; Amy Grunder, representative of the Massachusetts Immigrants and Refugee Advocacy Coalition; Robert Trestan of the Anti-Defamation League; and Eric Cohen from the Massachusetts Coalition to Save Darfur.

After the formal event concluded, a reception was held at the Grand Staircase at which Kanayan and Deranian offered thanks informally for the Joint Senate and House Resolutions to their organizations. Filmmaker Roger Hagopian screened a video, “Armenia: Survival of a Nation,” which he created especially for this event.