PROVIDENCE, R.I.—On the 99th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the Armenian National Committee of Rhode Island (ANC-RI) organized a series of events that began on April 20 with the Poster program, as members of the Providence AYF and Homenetmen Providence chapters embarked on a campaign to put up 200 posters on and near colleges and universities. The posters demand recognition of the Genocide and justice.
On April 24 former mayor and WPRO talk radio host Buddy Cianci extended an invitation to the ANC to speak on the radio about the genocide. The Cianci Show is one of the most popular programs on the air.
Also on April 24, following a brief service at Sts. Vartanantz Church, a group to 200 began the annual candlelight march to Providence City Hall, where a program was held in the council chambers. A black casket was carried by the Providence AYF members as they held posters and pictures of members of their families that were lost and others that survived the Genocide.
Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian served as the emcee in the packed house at the chambers. Steve Elmasian gave the ANC message.
The keynote speaker, Mr. Tom Suprock, a veteran of the Vietnam War, delivered moving speech. Providence City Council President Michael Solomon gave the city’s message.
On April 25, the Town of North Providence held its 15th annual ANC-RI flag raising. North Providence was the first municipality in our state to hold such an event. Councilman Dino Autiello served as the emcee and began with opening remarks on the purpose of us being there. He then introduced Mayor Charles Lombardi. Dalita Getzoyan delivered the ANC message.
In attendance were US Senator Jack Reed, Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis, Attorney General Peter Kilmartin, Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian, Central Falls Mayor James Diossa, Cumberland Mayor Daniel McKee, and others. This year’s honoree was Mr. Jack Chakoian, who joins a long list of Armenians in that town who have brought honor and pride to us as Armenian Americans.
Mr. Chakoian then shared his personal comments on how the Genocide impacted his family.
In the evening, the annual Cranston Flag raising ceremony took place in the council chambers in Cranston City Hall. Cranston boasts the largest Armenian community in Rhode Island. Council President John Lanni served as the emcee. He asked Mayor Allan Fung, to give the welcoming remarks.
Andrew Bagdasarian gave the ANC message. Hagop Anmahian preformed two pieces on the violin: “Groong” and “Dream.”
In attendance were U.S. Senator Jack Reed, U.S. Congressman James Langevin, Attorney General Peter Kilmartin, Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian, Chief Justice of the Family Court Haiganush Bedrosian and Hon. Aram Garabedian. This year’s honoree was Sylvia Varadian, who joins a long list of Armenians in that city who have brought honor and pride to us as Armenian Americans.
Annual commemorative initiatives continued this year:
•Governor Lincoln Chafee has issued the annual proclamation titled “Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide”. He follows a long line of Governors in our state that have consistently issued proclamations in memory of those that were massacred and in honor of those that survived.
•On April 29 the Rhode Island Senate passed its annual resolution designating April 24 2014 as “Rhode Island Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide, 1915-1923.”
•On April 30 the Rhode Island House passed its annual resolution designating April 24th 2014 as “Rhode Island Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide, 1915-1923.”
•Again this year, on April 24, all 39 cities and towns flew the Armenian Tri-color. The flag was also flown over the Rhode Island State House.
•The annual “flag sponsored” program received 96 sponsors this year, the highest number since the program began, seven years ago. While it was not intended to be a fundraising initiative, it allows members of the community or organizations to sponsor a flag (for a donation of $100.00) to be flown in the memory or in honor of a loved one in one of Rhode Island’s cities and towns.
The ANC of Rhode Island would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers who gave their time and effort for the success of this year’s ANC RI Genocide commemoration.
Deacon Hagop Khatchadourian, of Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church, opening prayers
Der Hayr Shnork Souin of St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Armenian Church, opening prayers
Reverend Hagop Manjelikian of the Armenian Evangelical Church, opening and closing prayers
George Donoyan, Providence AYF and Homenetmen, presenting a moving reading
Harry Kachadoorian, coordinating the candlelight march
Shant Eghian, beautiful rendition of Adanai Voghperk
Taleen Donoyan, Providence AYF and Homenetmen, singing the National Anthem.
Vincent “Buddy” Cianci, inviting the ANC to his talk show
Photo: Rhode Island State House on April 24