101-year-old WWII veteran, George Arakelian, honored in Detroit
On Saturday, August 10, 2025, the Armenian American Veterans of Greater Detroit paid tribute to local veterans of military service at a community picnic held at Manoogian Manor, a living and care services facility in Livonia, Michigan.
The well-attended picnic attracted more than 200 community and family members who extended appreciation and honored those who served in various branches of the military.
“It was truly a day of respect, honor and gratitude to those who served…it was a warm gesture,” stated Knar Arakelian Cirrito, whose father, George Arakelian, a Manoogian Manor resident, received special recognition.
George Arakelian, 101 years of age, was a Second World War Army veteran. During the day’s program, he was gifted an Army cap, an insignia, a shot glass and a military souvenir coin.
Drafted in 1943, he served with distinction in the Army Field Unit of the 10th Medical Lab in the vast European theater of Belgium, England, France, Germany and Luxembourg.
Discharged with the rank of sergeant, George attended Wayne State University under the G.I. Bill, earned teaching degrees and taught science and math in Detroit Public Schools for 30 years.
An active member of St. Sarkis for decades, he and his wife, Zabelle, founded the church’s Sunday school—an idea that came to them during a morning breakfast.
George was also a dedicated volunteer in the construction of the current St. Sarkis Church and continued to serve for years thereafter.
His parents and sister were longtime church activists, and the St. Sarkis church hall—Lillian Arakelian Hall—is named after his sister.
George is a proud patriarch of four children and seven grandchildren.
Happy birthday George. You and Zabel were and are amazing. We have many fond memories.
God bless you….John & Virginia Hachikian, your Atlanta friends
Happy Birthday you and Zabel are truly wonderful. We have many fond memories of spending together.
Love to you and your family……John & Virginia Hachikian…..Atlanta, GA
Always count on Harry to leave out important details. There’s no mention of their kids namely Christine and her husband Stepan Kanarian who founded the Armenian Youth Foundation that raises money to fund armenian interests… everybody should be thankful and proud of the Kanarian and Arakelian families.
After all we’re talking about heritage.
A wonderful article about an outstanding man. Everyone in our age group knew George and his dear wife Zabel as our “parents” when in Detroit. They were dear friends of my parents through the church.
A life of service teaching children and to the Armenian community. God bless you and Happy Birthday Mr. Arakelian!!
Thanks for covering this event! And three great-grandchildren!
Thank you for your service, young man!🇺🇸. Congratulations on your remarkable legacy.
Congratulations Uncle George. You and Aunt Zabel have made a positive difference and impact on so many lives. I carry you both in my heart and am blessed to have such wonderful memories of the times our families spent together. God bless you. Bacheegs to you.
Happy birthday George! Thank you for your service to God and your country. I miss you and Zabel. You always made it a point to talk to me whenever you saw me and made me feel very important. I just learned from this article about the church hall is named after your sister and the Sunday school that I graduated from was from you and Zabel. Thank you and your family for all you did for our church community. I am so grateful. I plan to visit you at the Manoogian Manor soon. God bless and see you soon.
God Bless You George !