Wisconsin Armenians Commemorate the Genocide
MADISON, Wisc.—April 20, 2010 marked the 10th anniversary of the adoption of Assembly Resolution 42, the Armenian Genocide Resolution in the Wisconsin Assembly. In the years since, Armenian Americans from around Wisconsin met at the State Capitol in Madison to commemorate the Armenian Genocide. Along with 10 co-hosts, this event has been arranged by the Armenian National Committee (ANC) of Wisconsin to show our appreciation following the adoption of that resolution in 2000. Two years later the State Senate adopted a similar resolution. These two resolutions declare April 24 of every year as a Wisconsin Day of Remembrance for the Armenian Genocide of 1915 to 1923. Additionally, the event helps to educate and promote awareness of Armenia and Armenian issues, particularly the Armenian Genocide.
Zohrab Khaligian, representing the ANC of Wisconsin, presented the welcoming message. Khaligian reflected on the past 10 years of commemorations, noting, “We are fortunate that we have the state’s support, that in 2000 and 2002 they passed resolutions to have a day of remembrance every year in Wisconsin.” He also spoke about the worldwide events occurring over the past year. “Turkey needs to forget its empire mentality. We are all equal and we are all part of the same humanity. Until we are able to get on an equal footing with all people, normalizing relations with all nations, the world will continue to be in crisis,” he said.
Each co-host was invited to speak during the commemoration. Representative Peter Barca (Kenosha), who was a co-host for the first time this year, was one of the original co-authors of the resolution in Congress and the State House. He spoke of his trip to Armenia in 2002 for a leadership training program. Barca was “proud that the state legislature passed this resolution in 2000 because it’s important to remember these tragic events and tell the world that they should never occur.”
Senator Bob Wirch (Kenosha), another co-host, pointed out that the “occurrence of genocide has been a dark stain on the world’s history. We have to work together to make sure this never happens again.”
Senator Jeff Plale (South Milwaukee) echoed these sentiments. He said, “Words are powerful. Genocide is a powerful word. But it is the only word that truly defines what happened 95 years ago.”
Ryan Knocke, representing U.S. Senator Herb Kohl, and Katie Crawley, representing U.S. Senator Russ Feingold, each brought statements to be read from the senators. They commemorated the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and honored the Armenian American community for their contributions to Wisconsin.
Representative Cory Mason (Racine) reiterated that “we have to accept the truth about what has happened to us. Until we get to a point where the world acknowledges what happened 95 years ago, we’re going to be stuck.”
Additionally, the following representatives and senators, and members of their staff, were present at the event as co-hosts to show their support: Rep. Peter Barca, Rep. Mark Honadel, Sen. Mary Lazich, Sen. John Lehman, Rep. Cory Mason, Sen. Jeff Plale, Rep. Jeff Stone, Rep. Bob Turner, Rep. Robin Vos, and Sen. Bob Wirch.
In his closing remarks, Khaligian stressed that we need to have a constant and consistent presence in the State Capitol. “We need to get involved and make as much noise as possible every year in this building.”
After enjoying some delicious homemade Armenian appetizers and desserts, the attendees went to the viewing gallery of the Wisconsin State Assembly to watch the representatives in session.
Co-host Bob Turner (Racine) welcomed the Armenians to the Capitol and read Assembly Resolution 42 on the assembly floor. Earlier in the day he stated, “You have to put what is right above other things, and it is an honor to be involved in the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.”
Other events in the Wisconsin area to commemorate the Armenian Genocide took place later that week. These included a Joint Memorial Service at St. Hagop Armenian Church in Racine on April 24; a commemorative program and dinner with Dr. Carel Bertram and Dr. Melissa Billal at St. Mesrob Armenian Church in Racine on April 25; and a commemorative program and dinner at St. John Armenian Church in Greenfield on April 25. Also, from April 18 to May 31 a traveling exhibit—entitled “Légion Arménienne: The Armenian Legion and its Heroism in the Middle East”—from the Armenian Library and Museum of America (ALMA) will be at the Racine Public Library.
The Armenian National Committee is the largest Armenian American grassroots political organization in Wisconsin and nationwide. The ANC actively advances a broad range of issues of concern to the Armenian American community.
