Presidents Wilson and Reagan, the American Red Cross, the New York Times, and Numerous Foreign Governments among Recipients
WASHINGTON—Twenty-nine individuals and organizations were given Hero Awards on May 9 in a show of gratitude from the Armenian community to those who helped save hundreds of thousands of lives during the Armenian Genocide from 1915-23, and have worked for its recognition thereafter.
At a banquet sponsored by the U.S. National Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide Centennial (NCAGC), descendants of genocide survivors and many others gathered to honor the nearly 1.5 million lives lost during the genocide and to thank those whose selfless and heroic actions enabled the Armenian community to survive and thrive.
The evening first welcomed guests at a reception featuring exhibitions on the history of the genocide, musicians playing Armenian music, and displays of Armenian artwork. Guests gathered in the banquet hall for the formal dinner, which included remarks by former Secretary of the Navy Paul Ignatius, former U.S. Ambassador Edward Djeredjian, and journalist Lara Setrakian.
“If not for the actions of these men, women, groups, and governments, the Armenian community as it is today would not exist,” said Noubar Afeyan, NCAGC chair, who is himself the descendant of a genocide survivor.
“While this Centennial is a solemn commemoration of the tragic events 100 years ago, we owe an enormous debt of gratitude to those saviors whose brave actions helped us survive,” he continued. “We must now unite and work together to forge a more peaceful future free of genocides.”
At the ceremony, a diverse group of awardees—including representatives of the United States Congress, former U.S. presidents, and numerous foreign governments and institutions—were honored for their contributions to the survival and rebuilding of Armenian life over the past 100 years. John Heubusch, the executive director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, accepted the award on behalf of the late 40th U.S. president and the last commander in chief to have recognized the genocide formally while in office.
“On behalf of our foundation, I am truly honored to accept this award for President Reagan,” said Heubusch. “The president cared deeply about these issues and was proud to lend his voice to the Armenian community. He was proud to have acknowledged what occurred 100 years ago was, in fact, a genocide.”
Saturday’s banquet concluded a three-day weekend of commemorative events marking the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide in Washington. With a focus on promoting awareness, gratitude, and unity among participants, the NCAGC led a series of events that included an Ecumenical Service at the National Cathedral, led by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia of the Armenian Church; performances by renowned Armenian musicians at the Strathmore; a Divine Liturgy at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception; and various other cultural exhibitions.
“Tonight, we gather for this final event in Washington to commemorate the tragedy that occurred 100 years ago and to honor the heroes who emerged,” said Afeyan. “But tomorrow we look forward to the next 100 years,” he said. “It is not enough for Armenians to survive. We must dare to be alive, dare to thrive, and come together to commit to a future free of genocide.”
Guest Contributor
Latest posts by Guest Contributor (see all)
- Nora Armani to perform Mercedes and Zaruhi in Boston - April 24, 2024
- Message on the occasion of the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide - April 23, 2024
- St. Gregory Church in Indian Orchard celebrates 90th anniversary - April 23, 2024
9 Comments To "29 Heroes Recognized for Contributions to Armenian Community at Centennial Banquet in DC"
#1 Comment By john On May 11, 2015 @ 6:13 pm
Again, one would expect that Mr. Afeyan, in his capacity as the Chairman of the National Genocide Commemoration Committee, get his facts straight and use appropriate language in his statements.
This is the second time he uses unacceptable language in relation to the Armenian genocide and its victims. First, in a telephone conversation with Florence Avakian (see: http://armenianweekly.com/2015/03/04/centennial-in-dc/) he used the word ‘die’ in the following sentence: “For all Armenians, there is this apprehension and inadequacy that we haven’t done enough to be worthy of the people who died a hundred years ago.”
Now he parrots the Turks by using the word ‘tragedy’ in the following sentence: “Tonight, we gather for this final event in Washington to commemorate the tragedy that occurred 100 years ago and to honor the heroes who emerged”.
What is with you??
#2 Comment By audrey On May 11, 2015 @ 11:53 pm
did i miss the list of 29 who were honored? i cannot seem to find a link in the article.
#3 Comment By sam On May 12, 2015 @ 8:23 am
time to celebrate our revival with our faith, Music and the Arts Armenians are coming stronger than ever
#4 Comment By cristina tateosian On May 12, 2015 @ 9:27 am
Un reconocimiento más que merecido a todos aquéllos que contribuyeron enormemente, para que después de cien años sigamos existiendo en la diáspora y en nuestra propia nación.
#5 Comment By sam On May 12, 2015 @ 12:51 pm
finally Armenians are getting their act together “Miutyoon Zorutyoun”
first time in living memory all Armenians come together, Bravo
#6 Comment By David On May 12, 2015 @ 1:42 pm
Congratulations to those being honored.
Just so that readers are aware:
At the top of this article is a picture of long-time Washington Post columnist and TV political personality David Ignatius, son of Paul Ignatius – the latter being a very nice and generous man.
For those of you who are not aware of David Ignatius’s record, he is out and out pro-Turkish and has been for decades. He has done nothing for the Armenian community.
The same is true of former US Ambassador Edward Djerejian. Out and out pro-Turkish. He should not have been invited to speak at recent Armenian genocide events.
I refer readers to this 2012 letter concerning Djerejian in the Armenian Weekly.
http://armenianweekly.com/2012/09/27/letter-to-editor-human-rights-lecture-at-heritage-park/
#7 Comment By vart adjemian On May 12, 2015 @ 2:13 pm
Totally agree with John.
The Genocide that occurred 100 years ago, was not a tragedy, It was a crime committed against Armenians and humanity.
The 1.5 million Armenians did not “die”; they were brutally killed, maimed,viciously drowned, mercilessly starved to death, raped and deprived of their humanity and dignity.
I personally do not know who Mr Afeyan is, but someone with his position could and should have used the proper words on such an important and historic occasion.
Vart Adjemian
#8 Comment By Tom & Nancy Vartabedian On May 13, 2015 @ 7:23 am
I am not against the administering of awards at any public event such as this. But you do take the risk of offending those who are equally worthy or more pro-active missionaries in their role that could also be recognized.
#9 Comment By lolo On May 18, 2015 @ 7:51 pm
I waited in vain to hear the name of Prof. Vahakn Dadrian mentioned, who was literally the founder of modern serious scholarly research on the Armenian Genocide.