TEKEYAN CULTURAL ASSOCIATION HONORS ARMENIA’S AMBASSADOR TO UN GAREN NAZARIAN
By Florence Avakian
AZG DAILY
28-01-2010
Diaspora
18-year anniversary of Armenia’s Armed Forces Day celebrated
The Palisadium, NJ—There was an air of jubilation on Friday, January
22, as close to 200 people honored the recently appointed Ambassador
of Armenia to the United Nations Garen Nazarian, and celebrated the
18th anniversary of Armenia’s Armed Forces Day. The special event,
held at The Palisadium in New Jersey, was sponsored and hosted by the
New York, New Jersey branch of the Tekeyan Cultural Association (TCA).
Following the singing of the American and Armenian national anthems,
the program started solemnly with a moment of silence in commemoration
of the Armenian soldiers, and martyrs of Karabagh. Dr. Svetlana
Amirkhanian made a symbolic toast to all mothers whose sons are
fighting in Armenia’s army, as well as for those who have been killed
defending the Armenian homeland.
First time celebration
TCA New York, New Jersey Branch Chairman Hagop Vartivarian, introduced
by TCA branch committee member Vartan Ilanjian, warmly welcomed
Ambassador Garen and Mrs. Nana Nazarian. Vartivarian pointed out that
for the first time in the U.S., the anniversary of Armenia’s Armed
Forces Day is being noted and celebrated. Present for this special
recognition was Armenia’s Defense Attache in Washington, D.C.
Lieutenant Colonel Mesrop Nazaryan, and his wife Rusanna Nazaryan.
Honored guests present at the head table were Karabagh Representative
in Washington, D. C. Robert Avedisian, Tekeyan Cultural Association
Central Committee Vice Chairman Edmund Azadian, and well known Karabagh
benefactor Andreas Roubian with Priya Katragadda.
Other special guests included Dr. and Mrs. Marian Housepian, Nazar and
Ardemis Nazarian, Edward and Carmen Gulbenkian, Vahram and Lucienne
Aynilian, Dr. Raffi and Vicki Hovanessian, Papken and Anahid Megerian,
Van and Priscilla Krikorian, Sarkis and Maral Jebejian, and Dr.
Gulekjian.
"The Tekeyan Cultural Association is a truly cultural organization.
More than any other group, it preserves the Armenian language. This
event is for all of us," noted Hagop Vartivarian with obvious pride.
"Armenia has fifteen provinces in historic Armenia, of which four
have been liberated. The Armenian army during the coming decades will
liberate all of them," he declared with emphasis to lengthy applause
Andreas Roubian, a successful entrepreneur, university lecturer,
avid art collector, and Chairman of the Karabagh Committee in the late
1980’s and early 1990’s, "more than anyone else helped the soldiers of
Karabagh," Vartivarian said in his introduction of the benefactor. In
addition to aiding the fighters, the committee was also instrumental
in helping the Karabagh widows, children, and survivors in the 1990’s
through its humanitarian endeavors.
Roubian, in his remarks, recalled that many diasporans opposed him for
starting the group at the time. However, the liberation of Kelbachar,
a historic Armenian region sandwiched between Armenia and Karabagh
changed their opposition. "This victory was a phenomenon, because the
Karabagh army was a group of irregulars," Roubian said. "As it was
transformed into a regular army, it proved that if Armenia, Karabagh
and the diaspora are united, we will win. We will always stay united,"
Roubian declared to thunderous applause.
A professional video demonstrating the military might of Armenia was
shown, emphasizing its enviable position of being the strongest army
in the Caucasus, ready to defend the homeland at all costs.
Ambassador Garen Nazarian, a seasoned diplomat who has served with
distinction in Russia, Geneva, and last six years as Armenia’s
Ambassador in Iran, was presented with a crystal momento by TCA
Central Committee Vice Chairman Edmund Azadian who praised him as a
"consummate diplomat".
Unwavering dedication
Ambassador Nazarian, in his remarks of appreciation, paid tribute to
Armenia’s Armed Forces created 18 years ago. Calling it "one of the
most important structures of the Armenian statehood," he stated that
the army’s establishment was made possible "through the immense efforts
and unwavering dedication of Armenian men and women around the world."
He recalled that in the 1990’s, during the "harsh war in Karabagh,
and on the borders of Armenia, the Armenian fighters presented shining
examples of combat valor. The heroic deeds of our fallen heroes,
and the 18-year history of our army, are lessons of patriotism for
our coming generations."
Today, the Armenian army "is rightfully viewed as a victorious and
liberating army," the Armenian diplomat continued. "Our whole nation
trusts and believes in our Army. Through the years, our armed forces
have constantly been reinforced, improved and upgraded. Today it is
the main guarantor of our peaceful life, and an important factor for
the security and stability in our region. Eighteen years is a blink in
our millennia old history, but this is a meaningful age for us. Today,
we are confident that the Army will continue to fulfill with honor
the tasks entrusted to it by the people and government of Armenia."
The Ambassador congratulated "all those brothers and sisters in the
Armenian-American community who have made their valuable contributions
to the establishment and strengthening of Armenia’s victorious army.
Today, we remember with profound gratitude all those who participated
in the army-building mission. May God protect our Army. Glory to
the Armenian soldiers, and long live the Republic of Armenia and the
Armenian Diaspora," he declared to a standing ovation.
Closing the memorable event was the Very Rev. Haigazoun Najarian,
Vicar General of the Armenian Diocese (Eastern) who was representing
the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian who was unable to
be present due to the death of his father earlier that day.
"Our people have fought many enemies throughout our long history
to preserve our freedom," stated the Vicar General. "In Karabagh,
all Armenians from every station in life through their strong spirit
and faith, brought our struggle to successful conclusion. When we
celebrate our military might, it gives us confidence for our future.
Wars are not only fought militarily, but on every level, including
diplomatically. Now at the United Nations, we are fortunate to have
Ambassador Garen Nazarian carrying on this important struggle, and
we wish him every success."
Throughout the evening, the rich Armenian culture was evidenced by
several performers, including the noted theatrical artists Nora
Armani and Gerald Papasian who recently performed in New York to
critical acclaim; jazz violinist Jenna Sarian; singer Annie Djerdjerian
accompanied on the piano by Vagharshag Ohanian; and the Akhtamar Dance
group under the direction of its Artistic Director Silva Asadourian.
The hardworking members of the New York, New Jersey Branch of
the Tekeyan Cultural Association who planned and organized this
successful event include Chairman Hagop Vartivarian, Vice Chairman
Harout Chatmajian, Secretary Betty Salbashian, Treasurer Sirvart
Demirjian, Advisors Dr. Svetlana Amirkhanian, Shemavon Atamian,
Shoghig Chalian, Lucyn Djerdjerian, Vartan Ilanjian, Meline Khekoyan
and Krikor Markarian.