NEW YORK—My name is Vartouhi Avedisian and I am a mournful survivor of the Armenian Genocide.
I took my place alone during the commemoration in Times Square on Sun., April 26. You may not have known that because I was never introduced. Not that I came looking for such glory.
I was the woman in the wheelchair, seated in front of the clergy, with the red knitted cap, blue coat, and white hair—rather patriotic, don’t you think?
Yes, I arrived a bit late with my family but when you’re 102 years old, it takes a little extra time to get ready and out the door. I was determined to represent my generation of Armenians who escaped the brutality of 1915 and those from Bulgaria, among whom I later dwelled.
It did my heart good to see such a program organized for the Centennial. The speeches were very formal and abundant as usual. My favorite part was seeing the youngsters dancing and the choral group singing my beautiful music.
Watching them perform gives me the inspiration to live well beyond my intended years. I’ve been attending observances for many years now, health permitting. Back when I first started, we were among dozens who gathered to pay homage.
As the years declined, so did the size of our assembly. It was good to see other survivors, like Aznev, Satenik, Dro and Hripsime. To the outside world, I am Rose. To them, I am Vartouhi.
They spoke loud and clear at this observance, politicians who might help our cause and clergy in the good name of unity. To me, we’re all alike, distinctions apart, serving the cause of Armenia, which I have embraced and kept close to my heart.
Had I not shown up this Sunday, we would have been survivor-less. I can do without all the attention that merits one of my kind. The photographers make a spectacle out of me. Reporters ask questions. I am their curiosity. Perhaps the attention goes with the territory.
A young Homenetmen scout took my hand and was happy to greet me. To him, I may have been his “Big Medz Mama,” like I am often called with my own family. I am your “Mayr Haiastan” and have done my very best to pass the heritage and culture forward to the younger generations.
A woman by my side held up a wedding photograph of her family survivors with the Armenian cross on one side of the poster and these words on the other: “Nothing is forgotten. No one is forgotten. Turkey stop denying the Armenian Genocide.”
She was there for the longest time standing with that sign in the crowd. How many of them lost parents and grandparents to the Turkish horsemen? How many were uprooted from their homes and thrown like dust in the wind? Where were the other countries? Why was I spared?
God must have had a reason. But why did he allow the others to perish: the men, women, children, and elderly? Some may say I was the chosen one. I would rather think otherwise. Perhaps I was spared to attend this 100th commemoration in my own private and humble manner.
My name is Vartouhi and like the rose, there is beauty above those prickly thorns. The genocide taught us a very important lesson: that beneath the devastation and turmoil, the thorns of humanity, our nation emerged, destined to make its mark upon the world.
A speaker told of our strength and courage against all odds. He spoke about the immigrants who shaped America and other parts of the world. We survived because destiny was our salvation. We lived to manifest our heritage and culture.
How long I can keep attending these observances is the work of God. You may see me next year. But if you don’t, please remember my name. My legacy!
I am Vartouhi Avedisian. The genocide survivor who slipped by unnoticed.
Tom Vartabedian
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I would like to know the name of the author of this beautiful presentation and tribute to the woman who is name within. It is indeed a dedication to all who survived and stand beneath a banner proclaiming “Turkey Failed”. May the world never forget the Armenian genocide.
Eloquently said. You will not be forgotten!
Parev This is Hirant Gulian
Chairman of the Knights and Daughters of Vartan
100th Armenian Genocide Commemoration Committee.
I have personally communicated with Mrs. Avedisian and her Daughter
She was born in Bulgaria, she is the daughter of a survivor
Therefore, she is not a survivor, we could not recognize her as survivor
We had one more person 103 years old, he was not a survivor as well born in Bulgaria, grew up in Romania
Just for your information
Hirant Gulian
A touching tribute. Whether Vartouhi is a genocide survivor or the daughter of a genocide survivor it is irrelevant; Most Armenians in the Diaspora are children, or grandchildren of Genocide survivors. It is a reality that there are very few not more than a handful, after 100 years, of actual survivors of the Genocide. But we all, the children and grandchildren are the descendants and must always remember the suffering, the strong will to live, the sacrifice, the hard work and the ” heart and soul” of those who survived and built new lives, new Armenian communities, in lands unknown.
My deepest respect and sincere love to Vartouhi, who at the age of 102, was at Times Square. May she be blessed.
Vart Adjemian