On April 24, 1915, 1.5 million Armenian souls were massacred by the Turkish government of the Ottoman Empire in World War 1. Each year on April 24, Armenians march up and lay flowers at the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex on top of the hill Tsitsernakaberd in Yerevan, Armenia.
Students, staff, and community members visited the Multicultural Center on Tuesday to commemorate the 108 Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
The event was hosted by Multicultural Center Counselor Tatevik Melkumyan.
Pierce Math Department Chair Eddie Tcherchian and Choir Professor Garineh Avakian gave a PowerPoint Presentation about the history of the Armenian genocide.
Professor Avakian explained that Armenians gather and tell their stories while the rest of the world stays silent on the Armenian Genocide.
“Today, I’m actually very honored and proud and very intrigued that there is diversity and inclusivity involved and the fact that Pierce acknowledges different cultures is also to be recognized,” Avakian said. “ I’m Armenian myself, so it is a part of my own culture and my heritage that I like to share with the rest of the community.”
After the presentation, Avakian sang the song “Harachank”.
Armenian Berd Ensemble Studio dancers later performed two dances while dressed in traditional Armenian clothing .
Melkumyan explained why it’s important for peers to commemorate the genocide.
“I think it’s important for us not just to commemorate the Armenian genocide but all events and historical occurrences,” Melkumyan Said.
Tcherchian wanted to not only commemorate the genocide, but the life and heritage of Armenians as well.
“It’s really important for everyone to celebrate their heritage, their culture and their history,” Tcherchian said. “Whether that history could have positives or negatives, we need to recognize both.”
“Today, I’m actually very honored and proud and very intrigued that there is diversity and inclusivity involved and the fact that Pierce acknowledges different cultures is also to be recognized,” Avakian said. “In particular, for me, the Armenian Genocide speaks volumes because I’m Armenian myself, so it is a part of my own culture and my heritage that I like to share with the rest of the community.”
Avakian explained why awareness is the most important goal of the day.
“April 24 is important because we need to remember that we need to hold accountable all those people that were involved in recognizing and admitting the fact that there was a genocide, an Armenian genocide, and that 1.5 million Armenian souls were massacred,’’ Avakian said. “Accountability in this day and age is huge. So, by bringing awareness to it and recognizing wrongs and mistakes is something that more cultures need to emphasize.”
Attendees were fed lunch, which consisted of chicken, rice and hummus.