MEMORIAL SERVICE IN YEREVAN HONORS ARMENIAN GENOCIDE VICTIMS
By Ashley Killough

ianyan magazine

April 27 2010

I first learned about the Armenian Genocide nearly three years ago from
an Armenian professor at my university. I mostly felt disturbed–not
only by the tragedy, but by the fact that I was 20 years old at the
time and was just now learning about it. How could such an event be
omitted from my primary education? How could we study the Holocaust
so much, yet neglect the Armenian Genocide?

In my awakening of world horrors, I had to accept that it was
impossible to study all the injustices from the last century. But the
Armenian Genocide is still relevant, 95 years later. Its memory still
serves as a wedge between two countries, involving the mediation
and attention of world powers. It’s the subject of many debates,
many controversies.

But for people like me, people who have no familial ties with Armenia
and have no influence or power in the world, the only thing we can do
is reach out a hand and say, I’ll cry with you, today. I’ll remember
with you. I’ll reflect with you. Politics aside, I’ll honor the legacy
of your fallen. To me, Remembrance Day is not just for Armenians; it’s
for all of us who wish for the world to be rid of inexplicable evil.

On Saturday, I had the privilege to attend the memorial service in
Yerevan. This was my experience, and these were my thoughts.