By Rita Hintlian
GLENDALE, Calif.—On Nov. 12, the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) Western USA marked the organization’s 100th year by unveiling the ARS centennial logo at its headquarters in Glendale. Over 200 people were present, while ARS members and supporters from California, the East Coast, and 26 countries followed the event on a live web-stream.
Arous Melkonian, the vice-chair of the ARS-WUSA Regional Executive Board, gave the welcoming remarks and invited Mary Melkonian to sing the American, Armenia, and ARS anthems.
Sossie Poladian, the chair of the ARS-WUSA Regional Executive Board, began her message by stating, “It is an honor and a privilege to serve an organization that prides itself with a century of service.” She was pleased that the Western USA region was hosting the logo unveiling event, and added, “We ponder on how the logo is with us when our members give their oath, when our members work for decades with tireless conviction and determination, and when our members leave this world. In effect, our logo signifies our life in service of others.”
“Those who came before us left a legacy that we admire. As the new century is upon us, we will embark on new paths for the next century,” she concluded.
Vicky Marashlian, the chair of the ARS Central Executive Board, explained that “cognizant of the historic importance of this first centenary, the Central Executive Board felt the need of a special centennial logo.” The ARS, she said, “stands with the same faith as its legendary founders exhibited a century ago. It stands with the same commitment and devotion, and its worldwide entities exhibited during their countless humanitarian endeavors… It stands tall with the clear vision and determination of accomplishments yet to come, with an unshakeable resolve to serve the Armenian people, wherever they may be—whether in the free or still occupied regions of our millennial homeland, or the globally scattered communities of the diaspora.”
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, accompanied by Rev. Father Ardag Demirdjian, blessed the logo with “Oorakh Ler” (Rejoice). Then, the three ARS Central Executive Board members—Vicky Marashlian, Rosie Bedrossian, and Nova Hindoyan—and Sossie Poladian participated in the logo unveiling ceremony, which was followed by a video animation, with the slogan: “100 years of devoted service.”
Central Executive member Nova Hindoyan explained that designers from Javakhk, Australia, Canada, and the western U.S. had all participated in the logo contest, and Ara Ter Harutiunian of Toronto, Canada, submitted the winning entry. The computerized animation was created by a Florida-based producer, Bared Maronian. She added that “the most symbolic feature of the logo is the rising flow of the 100-year service of the ARS, flowing like a life-giving river springing from the slopes of Ararat and flowing towards our countless communities linking the two segments of our nation—homeland to diaspora, and diaspora to homeland.”
Poladian, accompanied by Marashlian, accepted Certificates of Recognition from Talin Mangioglu, the field representative for State Senator Carol Liu (21st District), and Suzy Jacobs, the field representative for assistant majority leader, Assemblyman Paul Krekorian (43rd District). Jacobs also delivered a California Assembly Resolution by Krekorian for the 25th anniversary of the ARS of Western USA.
Hovan Tashjian, the ARF Central Committee representative, congratulated and praised the ARS for being a source of inspiration and strength, and for being wherever the Armenian people have endured hardships, as well as won victories. Tashjian said he anticipates the ARS will continue to lead the community during the next century and promised that all ARS projects would get the needed encouragement and support.
The ceremony ended with a blessing and congratulatory message by Archbishop Mardirossian, who noted that this was a historic day. “I join you in the unveiling ceremony,” he said. “Service and relentless work, dedication and devotion, virtue and mission, care and love, characterize the ARS. This logo symbolizes the centennial legacy and service of the ARS.”
The archbishop reminded the audience of the ARS founders and those who followed them, who must be rejoicing today. He also congratulated the worldwide membership of the ARS, the chapters, and the Regional and Central Executives on the ARS centenary, wished the ARS success in all upcoming events, and gave his blessings.
For more information about the ARS Western USA, visit www.arswestusa.org.
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