WORCESTER, Mass. (A.W.)—Hundreds gathered at Johnson Tunnel in Worcester on April 18 for a march commemorating the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide. The route traveled down Main St. from Johnson Tunnel to City Hall. Participants held banners, flags, and posters demanding recognition and justice for the genocide.
Many elected officials and civic leaders joined the crowd. At City Hall, Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian served as master of ceremonies. He spoke of the importance of genocide recognition, and his efforts to promote genocide education while serving in the state legislature.
Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty, Massachusetts Senate Majority Leader Harriett Chandler, and State Representative David Muradian were among the featured speakers. Polito, Petty, and Chandler have long championed Armenian issues. They spoke of the relevance of the Armenian Genocide today, and the important contributions Armenian Americans have made to the city of Worcester and the state of Massachusetts. Muradian, a descendant of Armenian Genocide survivors, spoke of his family’s experience and the importance of Armenian involvement in the American political process.
Congressman James McGovern read a moving letter he sent President Barack Obama, urging him to recognize the genocide. Attending the ceremony was Rose Der Sahagian, the last known survivor of the genocide living in Worcester. In his letter, McGovern asked, “What are you waiting for to formally recognize what happened during those perilous years as genocide? Are you waiting for the last survivor to die? Certainly those who deny the genocide are waiting for that day. But why would you?”
The program concluded with Archbishop Khajag Barsamian blessing a memorial plaque set in granite, and a tree—planted in front of city hall—dedicated to the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide. The crowd then moved to the Cathedral of Saint Paul for an Ecumenical Service led by Archbishop Barsamian and Bishop Robert McManus.
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