HULIQ, NC
March 7 2009
Armenian Community Mourns Passing of Former Mass. House Speaker George
Keverian
WATERTOWN, MA ` The Armenian National Committee of Massachusetts
joined with Armenian Americans 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 in his home town that bears his
name. 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."