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May 01, 2014
Over 2,500 Commemorate the Armenian Genocide in Times Square
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United States Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ), American-Armenian hip-hop artist R-Mean, and AGBU representatives were among the 2,500 who participated in this year’s Armenian Genocide commemoration in Times Square, New York.
The annual event came just days after the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee adopted a historic resolution, introduced by Senator Menendez, the committee chair, calling on the Senate to remember and observe the anniversary of the genocide. It marked the first time in nearly a quarter century that the committee adopted an Armenian Genocide resolution.
Senator Menendez was one of the many public figures present to deliver remarks; His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY), former New York City Comptroller John Liu, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ), and New York City Council Member Paul Vallone (D-NY) also spoke.
Among the program highlights was R-Mean’s performance of “Open Wounds.” The rapper, who helps to raise genocide awareness through his movement Open Wounds 1915, flew in from Los Angeles especially for the event. He, and all the participants, brought the 99th commemoration to a close as they ushered in the centennial anniversary year, the plans for which are already in motion.
Take a look at this video featuring Kim Yacoubian, director of the AGBU Young Professionals network, who delivered a message on behalf of proud co-sponsor AGBU.
Armen McOmber, Esq. and Dr. Mary A. Papazian, President of Southern Connecticut State University were the Masters of Ceremonies for the Times Square commemoration. The event 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 Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Church of America, 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.
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