Armenian National Committee of Massachusetts
47 Nichols Avenue
Watertown MA 02472
617-926-1918
[email protected]
March 6, 2009
MASSACHUSETTS ARMENIAN COMMUNITY MOURNS PASSING OF GEORGE KEVERIAN
— Former House Speaker was Champion of Free Speech and Government Reform;
Organized First Commonwealth Observance of Armenian Genocide
WATERTOWN, MA – The Armenian National Committee of Massachusetts joined with
Armenian American throughout the commonwealth today in mourning the passing
of former House Speaker and government reform champion George Keverian.
`Speaker Keverian’s commitment to free speech and open government set the
standard for civic reform throughout the Commonwealth – a legacy which has
touched all levels of Massachusetts governance,’ said ANC Eastern
Massachusetts Chairwoman Sharistan Melkonian. `At the same time, his
commitment to proper U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide and devotion
to Armenian American concerns garnered the respect and admiration of our
communities nationwide.’
Keverian grew up in Everett, MA, and attended Everett High School and later
Tufts College and Harvard College. He began his political life in 1953 at
the age of 21, with his election of to the Everett Common Council. He would
later serve 24 years in the Massachusetts House, six of which as Speaker.
During his years in the House, Keverian organized the first Armenian
Genocide observance at the State Capitol – an event which continues annually
to this day.
In addition, Keverian’s commitment to education touched the lives of many.
On the morning of his death he was scheduled to read Dr. Seuss to students
at an elementary school that bears his name in his home town. He had also
served on the boards of directors of vital institutions including the St.
Stephen’s Armenian Elementary school in Watertown, Massachusetts and the
Massachusetts Service Alliance.
Massachusetts House Speaker Robert DeLeo told the Boston Globe earlier today
that `[Speaker Keverian] led the House during a tough fiscal time and was
not afraid to make difficult decisions for the benefit of the entire
commonwealth. On a personal level, Keverian was a kind man, who made a
tremendous contribution to his hometown of Everett, which he loved so much."
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