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Fresnans Remember Armenian Genocide
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By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 7 years ago on
April 25, 2017

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It was 102 years ago, April 15, 2015, that the Armenian Genocide began. More than 1.5 million Armenians and many others perished at the hands of the Ottoman Empire. Monday night at Fresno State, the community gathered to honor their memory.

And naturally, most the program, part religious observance and part speeches, was conducted in the Armenian language. It featured prayers, dancing and speeches from the like of Fresno State President Joseph Castro and Fresno Mayor Lee Brand.

Attendants laid flowers at the on-campus memorial, the only one of its kind at a college setting. A scout troop led a flag ceremony and the clergy prayed.

“I think it’s important to recognize the genocide. We have so many families touched here in the Central Valley. This monument respects those lives that were lost,” Castro said.

Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation about the Armenian Genocide. But like previous presidents, did not actually use the word “Genocide.” That is still an issue with the community says Barlow Der Mugrdechian, the Fresno State Coordinator of Armenian Studies and emcee of the event.

“There is always disappointment when ‘genocide’ is not used. The last few presidents have pretty much done the same thing, which is to use ‘Meds Yeghern,’ ‘The Great Crime,’ but they haven’t used the term ‘genocide.’ I would say Armenians expect more. The community expects more from the president,” Der Mugrdechian told GV Wire.

The crowd, numbering in the hundreds, heard the power of remembrance and resiliency.

“We Armenians are a resilient people with an amazing history. The first Christian nation,” spoke Kevin Kasper, the Associate Pastor at Armenian Pilgrim Congregational Church. “And then, the genocide; the first genocide of the 20th Century. At least in part, that genocide happened because of the Armenian people’s identification with Christ.”

Castro addressed the crowd, talking about the importance of the monument where the ceremony took place. “Fresno State pledges to keep remembrance alive with this monument. It is a symbol of hope, education, memory and inspiration.”

Brand offered the closing comments. “And never, never ever forget the men and women and children who perished in this terrible genocide whose dreams were never fulfilled many years ago. And never relent on your efforts to demand the United States Congress to officially condemn the genocide.”

Menk chenk mornar. We will never forget.

 

Watch Joseph Castro’s full speech

Watch Lee Brand’s full speech

 

What are your thoughts? Leave your comments below.

Contact David Taub

Phone: 559-492-4037 / e-mail

This story was not subject to the approval of Granville Homes.

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David Taub,
Senior Reporter
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email

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