Richmond Times Dispatch, VA
April 24 2005
Woman’s birthday brings a tearful reminder
For her, the anniversary also marks a tragic event in the history of
her forebears
BY ALBERTA LINDSEY
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER Apr 24, 2005
Birthdays usually are happy times celebrated with parties, balloons
and decorated cakes.
Not so for Paris Dedeian, who turns 79 today.
The Richmond woman’s birthday falls on April 24, the day Armenians
around the world commemorate the anniversary of the deaths of more
than 1.5 million Armenian men, women and children.
“It’s a very solemn day,” she said.
Dedeian’s mother, Margaret, who died in November at age 98, survived
the 1915 Armenian genocide in Turkey. Margaret Dedeian lost her
parents and a brother in the genocide.
Dedeian’s father, Avedis Dedeian, came to the United States in 1913
to avoid serving in the Turkish army. His parents, brother and three
sisters died in the genocide. Margaret Dedeian was the last known
area survivor of the genocide.
“It was a sad day for my parents,” Dedeian said. “Growing up, my
birthday was always celebrated a week or so later. My brothers got
birthday cakes on their birthday.”
Several times friends have given surprise parties for Dedeian on her
birthday. One was when she turned 21 and another was when she was 70.
“They were happy occasions,” she said. “I guess they felt sorry for
me.”
Today’s birthday celebration will be quiet. Dedeian will spend most
of the day at her church, St. James Armenian Apostolic at 834 Pepper
Ave. in the West End.
The church will observe the 90th anniversary of the genocide with a
requiem service during the Divine Liturgy, which will begin at 10:30
a.m. Her mother’s name will be read during the service. A reception
and program will follow.
Dedeian’s mom never talked much about the genocide.
“Most of the people who survived were severely depressed. They
couldn’t talk about it and buried it deep inside their heart. But
some people tell horrible stories,” Dedeian said.
The Turkish government denies that the Armenian genocide ever
occurred.
“If they would only admit there was a genocide, but for 90 years they
have said it didn’t happen,” said Roxie Kricorian, whose mother was a
genocide survivor. Kricorian’s parents were Dedeian’s godparents.
“Someone said: ‘You should be forgiving.’ But how do you forgive when
they won’t say they have done anything,” Kricorian added.
Dedian said some Armenians think Turkish officials might be softening
their hard-line stance on the genocide.
“I hope to see them recognize it in my lifetime,” she said. “I hope
it never happens to anyone, never again.”