Armenians for Koutoujian

Peter Koutoujian: A commitment to Armenians
 

Massachusetts' 10th Middlesex District may be a long way from Armenia, but it’s not a stretch to call it “Little Armenia.”

Watertown, Massachusetts has one of the highest concentrations of Armenians. It is home to the American Armenian Museum and Library as well as two Armenian newspapers. The 10th Middlesex District, which includes some of Watertown, is also home to Rep. Peter Koutoujian, one of the state’s most outspoken supporters of the Armenian people.

It’s easy to see why. Koutoujian’s grandparents immigrated to the United States from Armenia to flee the Armenian Genocide, eventually settling down in Waltham, Massachusetts, a community as diverse as it was industrious.

The Koutoujians made Waltham their own. They were proud Americans who nurtured their Armenian roots. Peter’s father, Peter Sr., became a stalwart of the local political landscape, serving as a city councilor and later, City Clerk.

Peter got bit by the political bug too, and brought Armenian issues to the core of his efforts. His thoughts often whisk back his ancestral homeland. Each April, he helps organize a solemn commemoration of the Armenian Genocide at the State House. In 2004, he successfully pushed legislation to create 'Armenian Heritage Month' in Massachusetts. He continues to lobby Washington D.C. to recognize the Armenian Genocide.

He’s leading the charge to get a special memorial commemorating the Genocide built on a portion of the Boston greenway that will replace the old elevated Central Artery. He has stood at the foot of Mount Ararat and outside the polling places during the country’s 2002 elections. In 2003, he welcomed the Armenian Minister of Health, Dr. Norary Davidian to the State House to learn how Massachusetts can help improve public health in Armenia.

In October of 2004, he electrified a roomful of Florida Armenians at 'Kef for Kerry', a special rally for Presidential candidate John Kerry. Peter has even treated his staff to Lahmujun, an Armenian food that resembles pizza.

Peter remains deeply committed to a people who have withstood centuries of struggle to greet the 21st century with purpose and promise. He is proud to call himself Armenian and proud to support a great nation.