In commemoration of the 101st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, on Thursday, April 7, 2016, students of Vahan and Anoush Chamlian School participated in a walk-a-thon to the Prelacy Genocide Memorial Monument. Accompanied by Principal Dr. Talin Kargodorian, Vice-Principal Mrs. Rita Kaprielian, teachers, and parents, the students walked to the Prelacy, all donning “Rally for Justice” t-shirts, and were greeted by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and clergy upon their arrival. Each group first placed flowers at the newly constructed Armenian Genocide Centennial memorial monument, the inauguration of which will take place on April 21st. Programs followed at the “Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian” Hall.
The first group was comprised of 7th and 8th grade students, the second, of 1st to 3rd grade students, and the third and final group was comprised of students from 4th to 6th grades. The program for the three groups began with the Lord’s Prayer, followed by opening remarks by Armenian Club representatives Aram Apanian, Matthew Ohanian, and Serj Arejian respectively. On behalf of their peers, the speakers stated that their generation will never forget the genocide committed by Turkey as well as continued aggression by its ally Azerbaijan, that they will honor the legacy of our forefathers by speaking Armenian, learning our history, and remembering the sacrifices of our heroes and martyrs, and that they will continue to walk and rally until justice is served and our lands are returned to us.
The first program featured remarks and patriotic songs by Tro Krikorian, who spoke about ongoing hostilities and attacks on the Armenian people a century after the Genocide, including recent attacks on Artsakh. Armenian people around the world remain united and in solidarity with Armenia and Artsakh and will continue to work together to attain justice, stated Tro, and concluded by inviting the students to participate in the protests at the Azeri and Turkish Consulates. The second and third programs included songs by Ana Armenagian, who also urged the students to participate in the protests.
Dr. Kargodorian congratulated and commended the students and organizing committee for coordinating the walk-a-thon, stating that each step the students took was a remembrance of our martyrs and a demonstration that the Armenian student is not merely a bystander, rather an active participant in the pursuit of our cause. The voice of Chamlian students demanding justice will resonate across Armenia and Artsakh, so that our brethren will know that we stand in solidarity with them, stated Dr. Kargodorian, and concluded by expressing gratitude to the Prelate for his blessings, guidance, and for hosting the students.
In his messages, the Prelate greeted the students, stating that they are the first to honor the memory of our martyrs by laying flowers at the new memorial, which will feature replicas of Dzidzernagapert and Bikfaya monuments demonstrating that we are one people, with one history and one future. The Prelate commended the administration, faculty, and parents for continuing the tradition of the walk-a-thon raising awareness of the Armenian Genocide and bridging our youth to our history and cause. Addressing the students, His Eminence stated that the walk-a-thon served as a tribute to our past but also as resounding proof that Turkey’s attempt at annihilating the Armenian people failed, for we continue to live and thrive adhering to our religious and national heritage, and we will continue to demand justice. The Prelate also touched upon the critical situation in Artsakh, affirming full solidarity for the citizens and brave soldiers of Artsakh defending our lands.
The programs concluded with the hymn dedicated to our martyrs sung by Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian, a special prayer for our holy martyrs and the benediction by the Prelate, and the collective singing of the Armenian national anthem.
