Heroes and Healers: Stories of Courage and Altruism in Times of Genocide

LOS ANGELES—In an emotion-packed and deeply meaningful evening commemorating the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide, the Armenian American Medical Society (AAMS) on Sat., April 11, honored “Heroes and Healers: Stories of Courage and Altruism in Times of Genocide.” The event transcended a remembrance of events past, and also served as a celebration of the triumph of the human spirit, a reminder that the scourge of genocide still exists today, and as a call to action. During the evening, six Heroes and Healers were honored: medical professionals and others who embodied the spirit of humanitarianism, looking past ethnic and religious differences to save lives and champion the plight of the victims of the Armenian Genocide and other atrocities of the 20^th and 21^st century.

Those honored posthumously were Floyd Smith, M.D., Armin T. Wegner, and Clarence Ussher, M.D., who displayed heroism during the Armenian Genocide, as well as Ara Jeretzian and Harutyun Khachatryan, M.D., for their acts of bravery during the Holocaust. Family members of each honoree were present to accept awards on their behalf. In addition, Sabrina Avakian, Ph.D., who currently serves on a U.N. peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic, was honored for her work promoting human rights across the globe.

“In remembrance of the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide, we chose to honor these individuals because of the selflessness and courage they displayed in the face of evil,” said Vicken Sepilian, M.D., AAMS Board member and co-event planner. “The evening was a celebration of their humanity and a solemn reminder that the atrocities of genocide still exist today and cannot be ignored or forgotten.”

The event kicked off on Fri., April 10, with a special reception hosted by the Consulate of the Republic of Armenia, where the guests of honor and AAMS committee members were welcomed by Deputy Consul General Valery Mkrtoumian.

“I would like to thank the family members of the honorees who attended the event,” said Evelyn Baghdasraian Barkhoudarian, AAMS Board member who served as emcee for the event, as well as event co-planner. “Many of them traveled a great distance so they could share the stories of their ancestors with us—stories that left those in attendance humbled and inspired.”

The main event took place on Sat., April 11, with a celebration held at the Glendale Civic Auditorium. More than 300 people gathered for this very special occasion. Family members of the honorees spoke eloquently and movingly of the feats of their relatives, sharing personal remembrances and providing unique insights into their experiences. These stories were all the more poignant thanks to accompanying multimedia presentations featuring photos, video, and interviews of the honorees.

“To hear the remarkable stories of these heroes from the perspective of their family members gave us a deeper understanding of the enormity of their deeds and sacrifices.” said Raffi Tachdjian, M.D., M.P.H., an AAMS Board member and event co-planner. “They reminded us that the ability to affect change, great or small, is within each and everyone of us and that we all share in the responsibility to help make a difference in the world.”

The program included various musical and dance performances, including several songs performed by famed Armenian singer Anna Khachatryan, granddaughter of honoree Dr. Khachatryan. During a cocktail reception, attendees had the opportunity to speak with the family members of the honorees.

The event also featured Camp Darfur, an interactive awareness and educational event that brings attention to the ongoing genocide in Darfur, Sudan, and gives individuals the opportunity to discover their ability and power to make a difference. This traveling refugee camp raises awareness and examines Sudan’s Darfur region and its humanitarian crisis—genocide—by placing it in an historical context with Armenia, the Holocaust, Cambodia, and Rwanda.

“The committee members who planned this event did a tremendous job,” said Serineh Melidonian, M.D., AAMS president. “Each aspect of the program was thoughtful and lent perspective and meaning to the celebration. We couldn’t have asked for a better or more memorable evening.”

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The AAMS, with more than 500 members, is the largest Armenian medical society in the diaspora. Its mission is to cultivate and develop professional, social, and collegial relations among members and contribute towards the improvement of health services rendered to the Armenian community in the diaspora and Armenia. They achieve this by offering community health education, humanitarian assistance, medical services and outreach, as well as providing professional development and networking opportunities for health practitioners.