Each April for the past 28 years, members of the Armenian community along with state legislators and guests have filled the House Chamber at the State House to commemorate the Armenian Genocide.
This year marks the 98th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and the commemoration will take place on Friday, April 19 with a program of speakers and honorees. Following the ceremony and pending final permitting, attendees will be invited to participate in a newly organized march from the State House to Armenian Heritage Park. The march will include a stop along the way to place a wreath at The New England Holocaust Memorial.
The event is both solemn and celebratory, recognizing the genocide of 1.5 million Armenians between 1915 and 1923 by the Ottoman Turkish government, as well as honoring survivors and looking forward as Armenian American descendants commit themselves to preserving their culture and working for humanitarian projects and awareness.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Marshall Evans, who served from 2006-2008, will deliver the keynote address. Armenian Heritage Park architect Donald Tellalian will be honored with a Joint House and Senate Resolution. Dedicated in May of 2012, the park is a gift to Boston and the Commonwealth from the Massachusetts Armenian-American community.
Survivors of the Genocide will be presented with proclamations at the State House ceremony, and photographs of others will be present through the participation of attendees in the “Stand Up For Your Survivor” program.
“The march to the park is a wonderful addition to the commemoration,” said Representative Lawn. “This is a visible way of showing the pride in history and culture of Armenian Americans as they strive for recognition of the Genocide.”
“It is time for recognition of the Armenian Genocide. As a newly elected state representative I look forward to hosting the Commemoration and advancing this worthy cause for years to come,” said Representative Rogers.
