LOWELL, Mass.—In his quest to unveil Armenia’s hidden treasures with his camera and text, Joe Dagdigian is his very own GPS guide.
More than once or twice, he has passed the village of Bash Aparan en route to another destination. He’ll often stop and pay tribute to General Dro Kanayan, who is buried there. A huge memorial is visible from the highway, catching your eye.
There’s something very intimate here, especially with General Kanayan’s son Mardik. The two spent their younger days as AYF members, attended conventions together, and gathered at many a social interlude. The respect they had for one another goes without saying.
Last May 28, Dagdigian had his camera in overdrive as he captured reflective scenes of an Independence Day celebration taking place at the monument, marking the site when General Kanayan led the defense of Bash Aparan.
“The celebration started in the town of Aparan with a parade to the memorial,” reflected Dagdigian. “The music, dancing, and homage paid that day left an indelible imprint.”
Dagdigian will share his images and commentary in a program on Sat., Feb. 21, titled “Seldom Visited Armenia,” beginning at 6 p.m. at the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) Community Center, at 142 Liberty St., Lowell.
The program is being sponsored by the Lowell “Aharonian” Gomideh in conjunction with the 94th anniversary of the Feb. 18 Revolt against the Soviets in 1921.
In this illustrated presentation, Dagdigian will take viewers along the remote areas of Armenia, including ancient Bronze Age ruins and monasteries—places quite difficult to access.
You will visit the gravesite of “Khent,” the character of Raffi’s famous novel by the same name, who happens to be buried near Etchmiadzin.
“Although Khent was fiction, the character was not,” Dagdigian explains. “The country is full of amazing places that only have to be seen to be appreciated. Not a year goes by when I don’t embark upon a new trail to be shared through pictures and stories.”
Included in his talk are interactions with visitors and encounters in the homes of total strangers ready to serve up their hospitality for a smile. Accompanying him on many of these junkets is his wife Lisa. The two share a home in Yerevan.
Much of it also has to do with their charity work with orphanages and hospitals. Dagdigian’s work with the Cosmic Ray Division over the years remains exemplary, resulting in thousands of dollars raised for that cause.
He’s been honored for his work as a 50-year member of the ARF and served as past chairman of the Armenian National Committee of Merrimack Valley.
Dinner begins at 6 p.m., followed by the program. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for students.
Tom Vartabedian
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