Wilmington Students Lobby for Genocide Recognition

I’m sitting on top of my Armenian world today.

That’s because something I might have said to some students resulted in positive action. Youth must be served. In this case, it’s youth who’s doing the serving.

For the past three years, a small group of us representing the Armenian Genocide Curriculum Committee of Merrimack Valley has been stomping in and out of local high schools, bringing our story to the classroom. Not once have we been denied access.

It’s proven much more effective than preaching to our own choir. In most cases, the students and teachers are captivated by what transpired during the genocidal years of 1915-23. But one high school in particular went the extra mile and implored our political elite to take measures toward genocide recognition and pass the word to their colleagues, some of whom continue to remain nebulous on the subject.

You never know what you’re going to get when you cold-call students in today’s educational world. In some schools, you might find an occasional student wandering off into another world. Wilmington comes well prepared; I understand there’s a waiting list to enroll in this course.

And those who learn of the Armenian Genocide are not only sympathetic to our cause, they want to do something about it. They want to be heard. As Armenians, we welcome a different voice, especially when it comes from the next generation.

Here’s a letter to U.S. Congressman John Tierney (D-Mass.) from junior Lauren Powers, one of several at this school enrolled in a course called “Facing History and Ourselves.”

“I feel it’s impossible for Armenians to move on as a people if the world doesn’t recognize this terrible tragedy,” she writes. “There are many groups today that make joint efforts to try and get through to the government but apparently, this genocide doesn’t even deserve a postage stamp. Last year, my class wrote to the U.S. Postal Service regarding the Armenian Genocide and was told they cannot recognize every tragedy that occurs. Perhaps if they spoke to a genocide survivor, they would change their mind.”

Another from senior Shauna Smith to Congressman Tierney could not have come at a better time due to his sudden retreat on the matter.

“As an American student and activist, I feel it is unacceptable that the United States continues to deny the intentional slaughter and intended extermination of countless Armenians as a legitimate genocide. What I’m asking you, Congressman Tierney, is no small favor, but one I deem worthy of action. In order for the Armenian Genocide to be properly commemorated, proper information must be mass distributed and acknowledged by public and private school systems. Countries in denial should be personally addressed. I alone cannot convince a country or state. It must come from higher government.”

Congressman Tierney wasn’t the only target. A cache of letters was also addressed to U.S. Senator Scott Brown (R-Mass.). One came from senior Alexa Steenbruggen and this is what she wrote:

“Until I took this class and learned from outside speakers, I had no idea genocide occurred in Armenia, which I consider to be a major problem. The fact I was completely clueless about such a tragedy appalls me. I’m requesting you simply encourage the remaining states to join in this recognition and help get a Senate resolution passed. A simple documentary, speech, or rally could help the process. These crimes against humanity must not be forgotten. In order for the world to achieve a better state of harmony, I ask that you please help the United States as a whole to completely recognize this genocide.”

I think you get the message. In all, a dozen letters went to each of these politicians. The class we addressed that day contained 12 students. Every one of them complied with letters that were well written and poignant.

To top it off, each of them wrote a personal card acknowledging our visit to their school. Upon entering, we were struck by an array of signs on the walls depicting the genocide. Had it been a class of Armenian students, I would not have been so surprised.

In an age when little is written about the Armenian Genocide in our history books or even discussed by educators lacking knowledge, here’s a group that appears well versed on the subject. Moreover, they’re putting their education to good use by arousing some of our political elite.

For that, they must be commended. If more followed the example, just maybe genocide recognition would not remain a foregone conclusion.

Tom Vartabedian

Tom Vartabedian

Tom Vartabedian is a retired journalist with the Haverhill Gazette, where he spent 40 years as an award-winning writer and photographer. He has volunteered his services for the past 46 years as a columnist and correspondent with the Armenian Weekly, where his pet project was the publication of a special issue of the AYF Olympics each September.
Tom Vartabedian

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4 Comments

  1. As far as I know, Senator Scott Brown has not yet acknowledged the Armenian genocide as US Senator, though he has been great friends with Armenian Armenians for years, and I think he acknowledged the Armenian genocide when he was a state legislator.

    He needs to openly acknowledge the genocide and cosponsor the genocide resolution in the US Senate.   This is not going to happen by itself. 

  2. Move over, Tom. After reading this article, I too was sitting on top of your Armenian world. What wonderful work you are doing and I believe Joe Dagdigian is also spreading the word to non-Hyes about the Armenian genocide. You are accomplishing amazing results by getting those students to write letters to government representatives. It’s just what we need,  non-Armenians getting involved to spread the word. You are standing very tall today.  Keep pulling down that Turkish wall of denial, one brick at a time.  The final results will be worth it. Abrees.
    Betty from Keghi

  3. I commend all those students who got involved and brought more light to  justice and voice their dissapointment about US not recognizing the First Genocide of the 20th Century..

    I commend all of them for taking the time and effort to fight for something only Armenians feel very strongly about…but because of education and efforts from groups, organizations, communities including Armenian Genocide Curriculum Committee of Merrimack Valley we are getting more support from people… The hidden and forgotten Genocide as Turks wanted to keep it  has been very visible and alive and it will continue to be as we get more people on our side, the side of Truth and Justice..

    Thank you AGCC of Merrimack Valley and thank you students for your letters and your support..

    God Bless you all

    Gayane

  4. I Congratulate the students at Wilmington High School for sending letters to their Senators in Massachusetts and wish to thank Tom Vartabedian and those involved in going to the various towns in teaching the students about the Armenian “Genocide. Keep up the good work. Stephen T. Dulgarian

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