AGBU Co-Sponsors 98th Anniversary Genocide Commemoration Event in New York City

For nearly three decades, the Knights and Daughters of Vartan have organized the annual Armenian Genocide Commemoration event in New York City, and AGBU is always proud to be a co-sponsor.  On Sunday, April 21, 2013, thousands gathered at the crossroads of the world – Times Square – to remember and pay homage to the 1.5 million martyrs murdered by the Ottoman Turks.  AGBU’s official liaison to the event, Natalie Gabrelian, Director of Alternative Education, delivered the remarks below on behalf of the organization.

The 98th Armenian Genocide commemoration in Times Square was organized by the Mid-Atlantic chapters of the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, and was co-sponsored by the Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Armenian Assembly of America, the Armenian National Committee of America, the ADL-Ramgavars, and the Armenian Council of America. Participating organizations included the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), Prelacy of the Armenian Church, Armenian Missionary Association of America, Armenian Presbyterian Church, the Armenian Evangelical Church, the Armenian Catholic Eparchy for US and Canada and numerous Armenian youth, cultural and athletic organizations, including the Armenian Church Youth Organization of America, the Armenian Youth Federation, the Tekeyan Cultural Association, Homenetmen Scouts, Hamazkayin Cultural Association, Noyan Tapan of Brooklyn, NY, Rutgers University Armenian Club, Columbia University Armenian Club and the Armenian Students Association.

AGBU Message Delivered by Natalie Gabrelian
98th Anniversary Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide
Times Square, NYC
April 21, 2013

Your Eminences, Reverend Clergy, honored guests, my fellow Armenians...

For nearly a century, the tapestry of life for the children of the Armenian Genocide has been stitched with the bloody threads of this great calamity.  The memory of our one and a half million martyrs not only lives on in our hearts, but has molded our identity and is the eternal flame that lights the very core of our souls.  The Diaspora - a consequence of the past – is forever a reminder in the present.    

But the time has come to thread our needles with more vibrant colors so that our walls can be decorated with our achievements thus far and promises for a bright future, woven with solidarity and justice.   

For the first time in 98 years, a European delegation of individuals from 15 countries, comprised of Turkish activists, members of the European Grassroots Anti-Racist Movement, and representatives from the Armenian Diaspora, including AGBU Europe, will be present in Turkey for the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide on April 24.  The invitation to take part in these commemorations, which have been held in Istanbul for 4 consecutive years, was extended by DurDe! - the “Say Stop to Racism and Nationalism Initiative” - and the Human Rights Association, IHD - Turkish civil society groups working for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.  On April 25th, the joint delegation will then travel to Yerevan to commemorate the Genocide together in Armenia. 

In the past, the organizers haven’t been shy in uttering the word genocide during these gatherings in Turkey, adding a touch of sincerity to the commemorations. 

The joint commemoration in Istanbul is intended to express solidarity with those Turks fighting for historical truth.  Today the divide, in essence, is not necessarily between Turks and Armenians, but between those who struggle for recognition, and those who promote denial.

It is also inspired by a common sense of justice.  In the words of Elie Wiesel, "Genocide kills twice, the second time by silence." Denial, thus, is the perpetuation of genocide.  Turkey cannot dismiss, deny, or forget the actions of its ancestors…just as we cannot dismiss, deny, or forget the horrific crimes perpetrated against ours.  We must put an end to this silence, so that the suffering of the past is no longer handed-down from one generation to another.  By allowing Armenians to mourn in peace, it provides the opportunity for new generations to look together towards the future.

Let this show of solidarity set the theme for a united coalition as Armenians of the Diaspora and Armenia.  More importantly, let it be an example to the governments of Turkey, the United States, and all others, who have yet to acknowledge the truth.

Nearly a century ago, the Armenian people were the victims of a genocide which would soon serve as a gruesome reference for those that followed.  In calling for the historical fact of the Armenian Genocide to be recognized at last, global solidarity will allow justice to prevail for this often forgotten genocide.  As more governments continue to recognize the Armenian Genocide, its historical record will be deepened, so much so that it might not be forgotten.  And when that finally happens, may it not be repeated again.

The centennial commemoration of the Genocide is imminent and the development of an effective strategy for the pursuit of our people’s rights is a poignant challenge.  Together, we should all play a forceful and coherent role in the pursuit of our demands of recognition and restitution. 

On behalf of AGBU, I extend our support to all collaborative efforts among Diasporan organizations - not only represented here today but worldwide - to make each commemoration of the Armenian Genocide an expression of our strength and endurance in our unified commitment toward the pursuit of justice in face of Turkey’s denial of history.

Let us be proud of the prosperity and progress that we have witnessed as a nation, stand firm in our belief in joining our forces – as a Diaspora and with our homeland - for the prosperity and strengthening of Armenia and Artsakh, and be ready to meet all the demands and challenges the future presents toward the 100th anniversary of the Genocide and the future.

Thank you.

For more information on the Genocide commemoration in Istanbul, the declaration, and list of signatories, please visit: https://agbu.org/news-item/agbu-europe-and-egam-european-grassroots-anti-racist-movement-invited-by-durde-say-stop-to-racism-and-nationalism-to-commemorate-the-armenian-genocide-in-istanbul-turkey