New York Hyortik AYF Chapter
69-23 47th Ave.
Woodside, NY 11377
(718) 651-1530
hyortik@gmail.com
May 12, 2008
For Immediate Release
New York AYF Hosts Spring Barbeque Celebrating 16th Anniversary of Shushi
Liberation
NEW YORK – On May 10 the New York Hyortik AYF chapter hosted a barbeque at the
Armenian Center in Woodside, N.Y. bringing together its junior and senior
members, friends, family, and community members to celebrate the 16th
anniversary of the liberation of Shushi. The entire afternoon the chapter
had Armenian folk and heghapoghagan songs playing for the over 70 guests who
enjoyed hamburgers, hot dogs, pilav, salad, and dessert. Attendees spent the
day talking, playing basketball, soccer, Frisbee and remembering the spirit
with which the city of Shushi was liberated.
During the event the executive gave a brief speech, reminding attendees
about the importance of Shushi’s liberation in May 1992. Sixteen years ago,
they said, Armenian fedayees gave their lives to take back city of Shushi, a
historic Armenian city that the Azeri army was using to bombard Stepanakert
during the Karabagh war. They noted General Tro’s words that "Whoever reigns
over Shushi, reigns over Artsakh," describing how frrom its natural, high
elevation Shushi controls the capital city, many surrounding villages,
strategic roads, and communications points between Artsakh’s regions. To
further set the mood the Hyortiks displayed the story of Shushi’s liberation
and presented a slide show of images ranging from the Ghazantchetsots Church
to Shushi’s fortress walls to the young diasporan Armenian Viken Zakarian
who lost his life during the battle.
"It was amazing seeing all generations who have been through the ranks of
the New York AYF at our BBQ- from current juniors and seniors, to parents,
and alumni with their families. These young members are the future of the
Hyortiks and this community," said New York AYF executive member Maral
Najjarian.
PHOTO CAPTIONS:
BBQ: New York Hyortik members dedicated the barbeque to the 16th anniversary
of the liberation of Shushi (Photo Credit: Maral Najjarian)
Grill: AYF junior and seniors worked together to prepare and cook
hamburgers, hot dogs, pilav, salad, and dessert (Photo Credit: Maral
Najjarian)