PRESS RELEASE
Date: April 29, 2008
Armenian National Committee of America
Eastern Region
122 W. 27th St., Floor 12
New York, NY 10001
Contact: Karine Birazian
Tel: 917-428-1918
CONNECTICUT ARMENIANS GATHER AT STATE CAPITOL IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE
ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
–Representative John Geragosian (D-25) presents proclamation from
CT Governor
Hartford, CT- On Saturday April 26, 2008, over 120 Armenians
gathered at the Hartford State Capitol for a commemorative service
in recognition of the Armenian Genocide, reported the Armenian
National Committee of America, Eastern Region.
The program included an invocation from the local Armenian
Churches; recognition of Armenian Genocide survivors in the
Connecticut area; remarks by Rep. John Geragosian (D-25); and
presentation of a proclamation by the Governor (full text below);
as well as remarks and singing by the youth and requiem service.
Greg Kuo from the Genocide Intervention Network, gave an
informative update on the actions GI-Net is taking to have the
teachings of genocide in the school system.
Keynote speaker ANCA Eastern Region Director Karine Birazian talked
about taking action and being part of the solution. During her
comments she said, "As Samantha Power, Pulizer Prize winner, for
her book a Problem From Hell has discussed on several occasions,
you can either be a bystander or an upstander. I implore all of
you to become upstanders. And not watch another survivor pass
without proper recognition or watch another Darfurian die. We must
continue, as Armenian Americans, to raise our voices about the
truth and ensure that our children will not have to bear witness to
similar atrocities."
Following the special requiem service a "Madagh" was donated by the
St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church, the Armenian Church of the
Holy Resurrection, and St. George Armenian Apostolic Church where
gatherers met with Birazian.
Earlier that week on April 24 community members gathered at the
State Capitol for an annual Armenian flag raising ceremony.
Following the events Geragosian commented: "For years we have been
told that it is ‘not a good time’ to press for such a resolution.
"Enough is enough; it’s time for us to come to grips with what many
nations the world over have already recognized’the 1915 massacre of
Armenian’Turks was a genocide."
As Majority Caucus Chair, Geragosian was elected to the Connecticut
House of Representatives in 1994. Representing the 25th district
located in New Britain he serves on the Appropriations, Insurance &
Real Estate, and Judiciary Committees.
####
Photo Caption #1: Representative John Geragosian (D-25)
Photo Caption #2: ANCA ER Director Karine Birazian
State of Connecticut
By Her Excellency M. Jodi Rell, Governor: an Official Statement
WHEREAS, the Armenian genocide was a horrific, senseless
persecution of millions of innocent Armenian citizens, during which
perhaps as much as half of the population of Armenian was
exterminated; and
WHEREAS, it is critical that we recognize and condemn the Armenian
genocide; and
WHEREAS, the history of the Armenian genocide offers and
opportunity to reflect on the moral responsibilities of
individuals, societies and governments; and
WHEREAS, each year, Armenians throughout the world honor those who
perished from 1915-1923; and
WHEREAS, the citizens of the State of Connecticut should always
remember the terrible events of the Armenian Genocide and remain
vigilant against hatred, persecution and tyranny, and
WHEREAS, the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide each year
provides an opportunity for people to reflect upon our own humanity
and the need to respect all peoples; now
THEREFORE, I, M Jodi Rell, Governor of the State of Connecticut, do
hereby proclaim April 26, 2008, as
A Day of Remembrance for the Armenian Genocide in the State of
Connecticut, in recognition of the 93rd Commemoration of the
Armenian genocide and in memory of its victims, survivors,
rescuers, and liberators.
SIGNED: M. Jodi Rell
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress