Annual State House Armenian Genocide Commemoration Honors Speaker George Keverian - 04/17/2009
For Immediate Release - April 17th 2009
Contact: Daniel Cruz
617-722-2220
Daniel.Cruz@state.ma.us
Annual State House Armenian Genocide Commemoration Honors Speaker George Keverian
24 Years Later the Tradition Continues
BOSTON—Today, Representative Peter Koutoujian, Representative Jonathan Hecht and Senator Steven Tolman, in conjunction with the State House Commemoration Planning Committee hosted members and supporters of the Armenian-American community at the Massachusetts State House in a solemn remembrance ceremony to honor the 94th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The event was started by the late former Speaker George Keverian in 1985, and it has been hosted annually by the Massachusetts General Court ever since.
This year’s ceremony was held in the House of Representatives Chamber and included keynote speakers Governor Michael Dukakis and Dr. Jack Keverian, who each reflected on the contributions of the late Speaker George Keverian to public service and to the Armenian-American community. Additional special guests included Governor Deval Patrick, Speaker Robert DeLeo and Registrar Rachel Kaprielian.
The State House Commemoration traditionally honors survivors of the 1915 Armenian Genocide and their families with individual proclamations from the Governor. As in past years, the day of tribute also featured several significant musical selections performed by the Erebuni Armenian Chorus of Greater Boston, conducted by Maestro Artur Veranian, as well as opera soloists Yeghishe Manucharyan and Victoria Avetisyan.
“I am touched that this year so many came together, not only to commemorate the genocide but also to honor Speaker George Keverian, who started this annual event 24 years ago,” said Representative Koutoujian (D-Waltham). “Speaker Keverian was the son of genocide survivors, and he knew it was important to pass their story on by creating a considerable legacy of honoring and celebrating Armenian heritage.”
“It was a beautiful event,” said Representative Hecht (D-Watertown). “I was touched by the music, the faces of the Genocide survivors, and the presence of so many people, Armenian and non-Armenian alike, who came to reflect on the horror of the Armenian Genocide and to insist that it never be forgotten or denied.”
“This commemoration provides us with an opportunity to remember the atrocities committed against the Armenian people. Today we acknowledge those who survived while memorializing the victims of this tragedy,” said Senator Tolman (D-Watertown). “The Armenian people have given so much to our communities, they have given us leaders like Speaker Keverian who we miss today. I have always been happy to host this moving event which both recognizes Armenian’s difficult history and celebrates their lives today.”
Each year, April 24th is marked by hundreds of thousands of people around the world in recognition of the Armenian Genocide of 1915. Events like this one at the Massachusetts State House remember the lives of those who perished in the genocide as well as acknowledge the spirit and resilience of the Armenian culture.
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