001[Music] If you would all rise, I would ask our court officers to usher in our reverend clergy, our distinguished guests, and they will be led in by the home and Edmond scouts. May we please have the clergy and distinguished guests come forward up to the rostroom to your seats, please. I now invite very reverend father Haran Tahanian, pastor of St. Stevens Armenian Church to lead us in the invocation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is an honor to be in this state house today and offer the invocation. I will end my supplications with the Lord's Prayer in Armenian, but we'll ask everyone to join in their preferred language. Some background context on what we Armenians pray on this day. For a hundred years we held reququum prayers as we do for all our deceased. And for
002a hundred years we wept. But on the centennial in 2015, our church canonized the innocent martyrs of the genocide. And so we stopped praying for them and started asking for their intercession as we do with all saints. But there was no real opportunity for the sorrow of April 24th to lessen as the Arts War began soon after in 2020, culminating in 2023 with the complete ethnic cleansing and removal of its population. And thus our joy and tears seem to never isolate, but our fate teaches us not to lose hope. And so we pray, oh Lord, with your power and justice, your people in the time of Moses came to know a joyful exodus, a journey out of bondage and into freedom. Sadly, the powers and principalities of this world under the dictatorship of Baku and
003Ankara committed an exodus of despair and debt, forcing your people out of their land of Arts. Through the intercession of the martyrs of the genocide, we pray for all the refugees of Arts that you may comfort their hearts and rekindle their hope. We pray for all the 23 political hostages held in Baku who were rounded up not unlike on the eve of April 24th, 1915 when 230 members of the Armenian leadership and intellectuals were rounded never to be seen again. We pray that you protect them from unjust courts and rest with them in their cells and accompany them out. We also pray for the missing bodies of countless innocents still not returned and often mutilated. May they soon find peace in a proper Christian burial. We pray for Arts that it may once again see
004independence. We pray for Armenia that it may find protection as it has in the past while living in the midst of bloodthirsty tyrants and wararmongers. Lord, we pray for peace in our world. There are countless calamities and sufferings and too many to name at once, but all their plightes are ever present in your court. May they find your peace and salvation. You have known and continue to know every single one of them. Whether it is Joseph in Pharaoh's dungeon or Hagar in the parched desert or Gregory the Illuminator in the Corvit. May today's Joseph's Hagars and Gregories be freed from bondage. And we also pray for this blessed country we call home, the United States of America. Through all the turmoil and challenges of this era, may it continue to be a beacon of hope,
005a safe haven, and a shining light to the world for decades to come. We gathered here today, senators, representatives, citizens, and clergy, place our trust in you, oh heavenly father, and as Jesus taught, raise our voices in the name of the father and the son and the holy spirit. Foreign Amen. Thank you. Thank you, Father. I would be honored if you would join me in the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the stands one nation andice for all. If you would bear with me for one minute and continue standing if you can. We will now have renditions of the American and Armenian national anthem sung by the children of St. Stevens Armenian Elementary School, the
006St. Stevens Saturday Armenian School and the Arabuni Armenian School. Say, can you see by the dawn Early life around we and the [Music] tw stars through the parless light around our we streaming. And all [Music] is the first single through the night that was still there. Oh, save us as our [Music] spo for the land of the free and the [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] My [Music] mother is our [Music] you might No [Music] king of [Music] love [Music] might be [Music] falling [Music] And I love the falling [Music] shing for You see all of [Music] the you [Music] Thank you children for those beautiful renditions and may you all please now have a seat. Before we begin our commemoration, on behalf of the commemoration committee and my fellow elected officials, I want to offer our
007deepest condolences on the passing of Pope Francis. Now more than ever, we should turn to faith for guidance, and we wish the Pope eternal peace. We too offer our thoughts to Congressman Jim McGovern and his family on the passing of their daughter, Molly. Congressman McGovern has long been a friend to our Armenian causes in Washington and we all grieve with his family during this difficult time. Friends, family, clergy members, colleagues, the beautiful little cherubs that we just heard singing. Fellow Armenians and Armenians in spirit and in heart, on behalf of the Boston Armenian Commemoration Committee, I welcome you to the 110th anniversary commemoration of the Armenian genocide. From helping host this commemoration over the last decade, I can say that many of you are familiar, but for those that don't know me, my name is
008David Meredian. I'm the state representative of the ninth Wister district, the wonderful towns of Grafton, Northridge, and Upton. and I've had the honor of serving in the Massachusetts House of Representatives since 2015. As I proudly stand here serving as MC of this commemoration and have done so over that past decade, today still continues to be an emotional honor for me to welcome you here. It is emotional because I am an Armenian elected. I'm one of two Armenians to serve currently in the Massachusetts State House and I do not take that for granted, but I am immensely proud of that. While there are many distinguished guests here today, one special person is unfortunately not able to make it. There was a thought that our dear friend Mary Vartanian, the 110year-old Armenian genocide survivor, was going to
009be here, but she's feeling a bit under the weather and not able to join us. As she's turning 111 this August, we wish her well and hope to see her here next year to recognize her remarkable resil resiliency and her enduring spirit. I have frequently heard Yes, please. I have frequently heard the quip, look at your life, look at your choices. And I hope we can all do a bit of personal inventory today as the commemoration unfolds. As we hear comments from our speakers or a moving musical selection that might just speak to us, please think about what really matters. In a world where we are each pulled in so many different directions, where outside distractions can seem so significant, we have all made the choice to be here today. Not just as friends or
010loved ones or community members or colleagues, but to join as one unified message that we will never forget. Look at your life. Look at your choices. My friends, thank you for choosing to ensure that history will never forget. Welcome everyone to this powerful and solemn commemoration of the Armenian genocide. Today we come together not just to remember but to bear witness. We stand in the shadow of a horrific atrocity, one that began in 1915 and led to the systematic annihilation of over 1 million Armenians by the Ottoman Empire. This was not just a tragedy or a massacre or whatever other terms people want to use. To many, it was a brutal attempt to erase a people, their culture, and their history. But to us, it was a brutal attempt to erase our people, our culture,
011and our history. It was a genocide. But despite the violence, despite the attempts to silence our loved ones, our Armenian spirit endures. We remember those who were lost, those whose names may never be spoken again, whose stories may have been buried, who but whose legacy still lives in the hearts of their descendants, and whose stories still echo in our souls. As we gather here, let us not only honor the victims, but also commit ourselves to fight for justice and recognition. Let us raise our voices in defiance against denial and silence. Let this day remind us that the Armenian genocide is not a distant past, but a vital part of our shared human history. A history that we must carry with us so that we can ensure such horrors are never repeated. From the bottom of
012my heart, I want to thank you all for taking the time to be here today, for standing here, for remembering and for speaking out. The truth may never be forgotten. We have here today representatives and senators that I'm proud to call my colleagues, co-workers, and friends who'll be hearing from within the program. These are elected officials who might have an R or D next to their name, but you will not hear partisan pandering. You'll hear passionate perseverance. You will not hear division. You will hear unity. When the time is right to do what is right, a letter does not define you, nor does it define your character. These elected officials stand with their constituents. They stand with us, helping raise our collective voice. One such colleague who I serve alongside with distinction is Representative Dave
013Rogers of Belmont. Representative Rogers has served the 24th Middle Sex District since 2012 and currently serves as chair of the joint committee on higher education. Our friend, Representative Rogers. [Applause] Well, good morning everyone and uh I want to join my colleague Representative Meridian in welcome you to welcoming you to our beautiful state house. Uh it's good to be with you and um as we reflect on this dark chapter in history, we're reminded of the importance of standing together against hatred, against bigotry, and against oppression in all its forms. No matter your background or your history, or whether you trace your lineage to Armenia, our job as elected officials is to oppose injustice everywhere. And that's why I'm so glad to see many of my fellow elected officials uh here today. And I'd like to uh
014introduce them. Uh if you'll bear with me. Um first, Representative um Joe McGonagal is here. Um, Representative Priscilla Susa, uh, Representative Mike Soder, uh, former Representative Rachel Capillian, uh, former representative of Middle Sex County Sheriff Peter Kusian, um, former governor's counselor, Marilyn Dey, um, Diddier Moyes, the president of Belmont Against Racism, and Cindy Row, the president and CEO of the Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action. And uh if by chance um oh also former representative Canwell is here, Jim, good to see you. And um also, although he needs no introduction, please join me in thanking uh Representative David Meridian for the amazing job he does to put this together. So without further ado, Representative Meridian. Thank you for those very kind remarks, Representative. I appreciate your commitment and passion to supporting our heritage. Since
015running for elected office in 2020, Representative Steve Owens has been steadfast in his support of his Armenian constituents. Serving as state representative of the 29th Middle Sex District, he has served on many committees, including as the vice chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development, our friend, Representative Steve Owens. Good morning, everybody. Uh, welcome to the people's house. Uh, my name is Steve Owens. I have the distinct honor and pleasure of uh, representing East Watertown as well as parts of Cambridge and the rest of Watertown. But East Watertown, the beating heart of the Armenian diaspora in New England. Um, it is a place where the Armenian genocide is not something that just happened 110 years ago. Uh but it's someplace that lives the history that lives in our people, our neighbors, our
016streets, our monuments. This is something that we remember just by by living uh living in the neighborhood. It's great to see so many of my friends, neighbors, and colleagues here. And thank you again to Rep. Meridian for bringing us all together. Um I have also uh the pleasure of representing uh St. Stevens uh as part of my district and I want to thank especially uh our musicians uh today and I would ask the children to look around uh look around the room today uh because it's not often that you get to come uh come to the state house uh into into the house chamber and see everyone come together uh whether they are left or right uh whe whatever their political persuasion might be um this is what government can do when we all work
017together. Um, we can honor the real history um of of the Armenian people and of our nation. Uh, we can do it without two sides, you know, shouting at each other uh like you might see on the news. Um, this is what government is for. And what I would uh like to do is bring forth uh words from our governor Mora Healey and present the proclamation. This is okay. Uh, so this is a proclamation from uh, Governor Healey. Whereas April 24th, 1915 is recognized, you guys are going to have to forgive me. Okay. Whereas April 24th, 1915 is recognized as the beginning of a mass genocide of the Armenian population in the Ottoman Empire, the first genocide in the 20th century. And whereas Armenian families were uprooted from their ancestral homeland and brutally exposed to
018varied indignities resulting in more than half of the Armenian population killed. And whereas we consider these atrocities against the Armenian people to be repulsive and abhorentt in civilized society. And whereas Armenians of American Armen Americans of Armenian descent have contributed to the quality of life in the United States and Massachusetts in the best traditions of our nation and state in times of war and peace. And whereas the Armenian citizens around the world and of Massachusetts are dedicated to honoring the memory of the brave men and women who died. And whereas our thoughts offered in memory of the Armenian martyrs of 1915 will serve to remind everyone that persecution, torture, and killing must cease forever. Now therefore, I, Mora Thihily, governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim April 24th, 2025 to be Armenian Genocide
019Remembrance Day and urge all the residents of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance. Thank you. And I'll pass it back to uh Rep. [Applause] Meridian. Thank you, Rep. Owens. It's always a pleasure to work with you and your staff on such a meaningful day for all of us. Another individual who it's such a pleasure to work with and their staff for today to make today possible is no stranger to all of us. It's Senator Will Brownsburgger. He served in this very chamber from 2007 through January of 2012. He served the Suffach and Middle Sex district from 2012 through today in the upper chamber and has the distinction of being the president prom of the Senate. Our friend Senator Brownsburgger. Thank you, Representative Meridian. I do have the
020physical proclamation that I'm about to present. The words are in front of me already. It's a great honor for me to be part of this solemn commemoration and to be part of remembering our commitment to justice. So the proclamation that I have is it's actually in fact a resolution a joint resolution of the House and Senate adopted by both branches commemorating the the Armenian American Community of the Commonwealth, the Armenian Heritage Foundation, Friends of the Armenian Heritage Park, and former State Representatives Rachel Caprellian and Peter Katujin on the occasion of the commemoration of the Armenian genocide. Whereas the American Armenian community of the Commonwealth will come together on April 25th, 2025 at the Massachusetts State House for an event commemorating the Armenian genocide and celebrating the contributions of Armenianameans to the Commonwealth. And whereas the
021American Armenian community of the Commonwealth advocated for and established Armenian Heritage Park in the city of Boston on May 22nd, 2012 to celebrate the important and enduring contributions of the Armenian-American community and honor the victims and survivors of the American gen of the Armenian genocide. And whereas the Armenian Heritage Foundation was founded in 2004 with a mission to establish Armenian Heritage Park and together with Friends of Armenian Heritage Park has continued to support Armenian Heritage Park, celebrate Armenian culture and cultural diversity, spread appreciation of the Republic of Armenia, build community and raise awareness of the Armenian genocide and other genocides. And whereas Friends Armenian Heritage Park has shown a commitment to furthering the mission of the park by providing public programming that celebrates togetherness in the park's vibrant spaces. And whereas the advocacy of former
022state representatives Rachel Caprillion and Peter Kujan was instrumental in securing vital legislative support for the Armenian Heritage Park. Be it hereby resolved that the Massachusetts General Court hereby commends the Armenian American Community of the Commonwealth, the Armenian Heritage Foundation, Friends of American Heritage Park, and former State Representatives Rachel Caprillion and Peter Kujan on their work to promote public knowledge of the contributions of Armenian Americans and the Armenian genocide by establishing Armenian Heritage Park and supporting community engagement and Be it further resolved that a copy of these resolutions be transmitted forth with by the clerk of the Senate to the Armenian American Community of the Commonwealth, the Armenian, the Armenian Heritage Foundation, friends of the Armenian Heritage Park, and former state representatives Rachel Capriian and Peter Kujan, and it's my privilege to thank them both for
023their incredible leadership on this occasion. Thank you. Thank you. Representative [Applause] Owens. Thank you, Senator Brownsburgger, for your leadership on this important day. It is now my pleasure to invite members of the late speaker George Cavarian's family uh for the George Cavarian Memorial Scholarship. If you could come up, please. [Applause] Good morning everyone. Before I begin, I would like to acknowledge something that weighs on my heart today. For the first time, we are missing two very special people in my life, my life. My father, Jack, and my mother, Dorothy. They have never missed one of these ceremonies. They are home today wishing that they could be here, and I know they're watching with pride, with love, and with the memory of a remarkable man we're here to honor. There were two George Cavarians. One of
024them is standing here before you now. And as you can properly tell, I wouldn't fit into the other one's shoes. Not physically and certainly not politically. And the truth is not many people today could. The George Cavarian I was named after my uncle was a giant not just in stature but in spirit. He was not a selfish man. He didn't seek the spotlight for himself. He deeply genuinely cared about people. people of all walks of life, every race, every background, every political party. I believe that compassion came from our family's past, a story of survival and quiet strength. My grandmother Eliza once told me how she and her siblings escaped the Armenian genocide. A Turkish farmer, a close friend of my greatgrandfather, Kevor, risked everything to help them. Day after day, he urged my greatgrandfather
025to let him smuggle my grandmother and her siblings to Aleppo, Syria. He had been hearing rumors of what was coming, and after days of pleading, my greatgrandfather finally agreed. Most Armenian families were not so fortunate. In our case, we could have been sent on the death marches to the Derzor Desert in Syria, where so many of our people perished in the heat, starvation, and brutality. But because of one man's courage, my grandmother and her siblings escaped that fate. On the third day, he came with a wagon and a donkey, and he laid down burlap sacks and hid the children beneath them. With hay, he piled on top. At the border, the guards jabbed the pitchforks into the pile, and the youngest child, Cordin, just six years old, didn't make a sound. But when the farmer
026returned to the border on his way home to Antup, the guards discovered what he had done and shot him in the head. Our family made it through. They survived. They arrived in Aleppo where my grandmother waited for an arranged marriage and the ch chance to rebuild a life. Today they'd be called refugees or illegal immigrants, but all they wanted to was to live. And today we watch the news and we see so-called illegal immigrants being rounded up and sent away to places like El Salvador or even Guantanamo. But if it were if we're being honest, many of us wouldn't be here if it not for our grandparents hadn't been taken in by a neighbor, by friends, even strangers who risked their lives to help them escape the Armenian escape. The Armenian people survived not only
027because they endured, but because someone helped. The man who helped them, who gave his life. so they might have a future reminds us of a deeper truth. In a world divided by bitterness and mistrust, his selfless act is a living testament to Christ's words from the gospel according to John 15 verse 13. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. That kind of selflessness, that quiet, unshakable moral courage lived on in my uncle George. He made history here in this House Chamber, becoming the only person in Massachusetts history to ever unseat a sitting speaker. At his funeral, it was Andrew Card, the minority lead leader of the house when George was elected as speaker of the house and later chief of staff to President George W.
028Bush, who was asked to deliver that eulogy for my uncle right here at this very spot where I'm standing today. It was in that moment that both Republicans and Democrats rose together to honor George Cavarian, not as a politician, but as a man of principle, kindness, and service. George gave the Republican caucus a voice in the legislative process. He believed that democracy only works when everyone is heard and ideas rise above party lines and people come before politics. I ask you, is this imaginable today in our country? But some of his greatest acts of leadership happen far from the floor of this chamber. One night, George landed at Logan Airport and saw a man trying to get back to New Hampshire. He had missed the last bus. Without hesitation, he drove him home, hours out
029of his way. Another time, he saw a woman and her two young children sitting on a curb in Everett right outside his favorite Dunkin Donuts on River Beach Parkway. They were cold. They were homeless and they had nowhere to go. George didn't refer them to a shelter. He brought them into his own home where they lived with him for months. When he finally found them housing, he called on his friends, the people from Everett City Hall, to give their time to paint the apartment, move them in, and furnish it all with donated items. No cameras, no press, no recognition, just heart. That was the kind of public servant he was and the kind of human being we should all strive to be. He believed in investing not only in policies but in people, in their
030their dignity, their growth and their future. In memory and in the spirit of that farmer who gave his life to save his friend's children, I am proud to present two $5,000 scholarships today. I'd like Peter and Trayvon to come up here. [Applause] One scholarship today will go to Peter Kujan. See there are two of them too. A political science major at Bridgewater State University with a deep commitment to public servants civic engagement and community empowerment. A 2025 deans list honore and a 2024 Americanore member. Peter's held leadership roles both on campus and beyond, including director of public relations for the Bridgewater State University Food Pantry, and founder of the bipartisan disagreement club. I like that one. He has interned in the United States Senate, worked on a Morahi Morahily campaign, and served as a community
031organizing fellow in Boston. Peter has led tours at the Massachusetts State House for nearly six years and participated in the Armenian Assembly's Tenian Thomas internship advocating for Armenian issues in Washington DC. With plans to pursue a master's in education and law school, Peter is driven to serve the country, the Commonwealth, and the Armenian community throughout through through policy and public leadership. In a moment, I'll ask him to say a few words. Our recipient from Everett High School, a city my uncle cherished and served every single day of his life is Trayvon Tree Carrington. A remarkable student with a 4.0 GPA and an inspiring record of community service. Tvon gives back through food pantries, clothing drives, citywide events, and church outreach, including the Zion's Community in Unity block party and the annual Thanksgiving dinner that serves
032over 900 people. During the pandemic, he launched Trees Kitchen, a local culinary business inspired by his late grandmother. Using his passion for cooking to uplift others and support his community, Trayvon was recently honored with the prestigious MAVA award presented to only 55 students out of 55,000 across Massachusetts for excellence. [Applause] for excellence in vocational technical education and meaningful community impact. He truly embodies the values of leadership, compassion, and service. Before I turn the microphone over to these wonderful gentlemen, I'd like to recognize Trayvon's mother, Tiana Carrington, for her unwaving love and support, Dennis Lynch, the devoted principal of Ever High School, and Alfred Latanzi, a dedicated member of the Cavarian Scholarship Committee. for their steadfast commitment to nurturing and empowering the next generation. And of course, Peter's father, Peter Katujin, our man. Why don't you
033come up and say a few words? Good morning, everybody. I'm I'm deeply honored to have been given this award on behalf of the Cavarian family. It's a reminder of speaking Cavarian's hard work and commitment to public service. Something that I will carry forward for the rest of my life. I would like to thank the Cavarian family and the Cavarian Foundation. Your belief in me and your support means more to me than you can know. I'll always remember and honor Speaker George Cavarian and the Cavarian family as it progressed through my education and career. My grandfather was a proud Armenian and public servant like the speaker. They were good friends and my family's admired him for many years. I've been a tour guide at the Massachusett State House for about six years now, teaching people about
034this great the great state's history. Part of that great history is Speaker Cavarian and his legacy. Thank you. Good morning uh member to the house has been addressed but members of the house and members of the senate uh thank you uh first give an honor to god who is the head of my life. I want to thank him for this prestigious honor. I want to give reverence to George Cavarian family and all of their support. I've known them for a little bit over an hour and it feels like two years but let's give them a round of applause. I I want to thank my school community. Of course, my Ever High School principal, Dennis Lynch, is here with me today. He is I like to call him my father in education. He has been with
035me since uh seventh grade, right? Seventh grade. And now we're carrying on to see last year's senior year. So, let's give him a round of applause. And I also want to give a round of applause to Alfred Latani, former city counselor and alderman. He called me about 50,000 times. I don't know if I at first I didn't think I was getting the scholarship because he called me so much so I didn't think so. But I want to thank you for this procedure artist prestigious honor and it's allowing me to be here on this day uh to commemorate the life and the legacy. Thank [Applause] you. These scholarships are more than just support. They are a legacy. They are a reminder that public service when grounded in compassion can truly change lives. Before you make your
036way to the lunchon, I encourage you to pause at the bottom of the SC staircase. On the wall directly ahead to the left, you will see a blond bronze plaque permanently embedded in the wall placed there in 1976 to honor the victims of the Armenian genocide. It stands quietly but powerfully as a reminder of why we gather here and why we must never forget. Thank you for letting me share my uncle's story and my families. May we all strive to lead with heart, with fairness, and with courage. Even if his shoes are a little hard to fill, we should all keep trying to walk in them. Thank [Applause] you. Well, congratulations to the recipients. And as I'm looking at the proud parents, I can see you guys bursting with joy and uh almost happy tears.
037So, congratulations and thank you to the Cavarian family for making that possible. Uh now, some of you may have heard that US Senator Ed Marky was going to be present today. Unfortunately, he is missing our commemoration to attend the funeral of Pope Francis. Here to deliver a brief message on his behalf is former Representative Jim Canwell, who now serves as Senator Marky's state director. Representative David, thank you sir very much. And as a representative mentioned in opened this these commemorations and these festivities with a moment of silence for Congressman Jim McGovern for his family for their loss of their cherished daughter Molly and for Pope Francis leader of my faith and Senator Marky. Senator Marky received a call just yesterday asking that he rep represent the United States with a small delegation for uh the
038funeral services uh for the pope. He sends his apologies and asks that I come and and represent him to read his heartfelt remarks, which I will do now. On the 110th anniversary and commemoration of the Armenian genocide, I join the Armenian community in remembering the 1.5 million Armenians who perished at the hands of the Ottoman Empire in the first generation of the 20th century. For many years, Senator Marky says, I fought alongside you to demand that the United States formally acknowledge the Armenian genocide. And on April 24th, 2021, after decades of advocacy, President Biden finally took that important step, recognizing the genocide and ensuring that the United States stands on the right side of history. Your efforts have power. Tragically, the Armenian people still face existential threats. Azabaian's unprovoked attacks on Naguro Karabak resulted in
039the forced displacement of 150,000 Armenians from Artza, a continuation of the very genocide we are remembering today. Last year, Aza Bjan attempted to hijack a United States or United Nations conference called COP 29 to greenwash its egregious human rights and environmental record. Senator Marky says, "I traveled to Baku during COP 29 to demand an immediate and unconditional release of all Armenian political prisoners. He called for that unconditional release of all Armenian political prisoners and the safe return for all ethnic Armenian civilians. Today, Senator Marky is reaffirming his unwavering support for Archar for the right of self-determination under international protection. AAN's aggression did not end with the ethnic cleansing of Arxar Armenians. Aza forces have committed documented war crimes, torture, arbitrary detentions, and war crimes uh the killing of innocent civilians. These crimes demand action. Senator
040Marky says, "I support the imposition of global Magnitzky act sanctions on Ajaba officials." He is urging Secretary of State Rubio to impose sanctions on those responsible for these grave human rights abuses and war crimes against the Armenian population. He adds, I will also continue pressing for the immediate release of all those who remain illegally detained by Azaraijan. These prisoners have endured sham trials, inhumane treatment while Azaraijan has denied them basic protections afforded under international law. Adding insult to injury, the senator adds a Jean expelled the international committee of the Red Cross just last month. The only organization authorized to visit Armenian prisoners. The United States must use every diplomatic and economic tool at its disposal to secure the immediate release of these detainees. In closing, the senator says, "We also cannot ignore Azabaian's ongoing occupation
041of Armenian sovereign territory. The buildup of Azeri forces along the border. Continued threats and coercive diplomacy pose a direct threat to Armenia's stability." Senator Marky indicates, "I strongly support increased US security cooperation with Armenia to help protect against these threats to ensure the long-term sec security of Armenia and its people. As we honor the memory of those lost in the Armenian genocide, the senator wishes to reaffirm his unwavering commitment to justice, accountability, and the protection of Armenian lives, culture, and sovereignity. He will continue to work with the Armenian community to ensure that Armenian and Axar have the support they need, not just today, for generations to come. Shernar Hakalem, thank you. [Applause] Thank you. We are so grateful for Senator Marky's commitment to fighting for justice around the world and uh for his great service
042to this country in so many different ways. And I'll take the opportunity to say that you as his district as state director have been doing a wonderful job serving the Commonwealth. Let's get back truth. When you need when you need something done in Washington, this is the guy to call truly. [Applause] So, it's it's my privilege to introduce our keynote speaker, uh, the Honorable Edward P. Geredan. His foreign service career has spanned eight United United States administrations. From John F. Kennedy to William J. Clinton. Prior to his nomination as US ambassador to Israel, he was assistant secretary of state for Neareastern affairs in both the George HW Bush and Bill Clinton administrations. He was the US ambassador to the Syrian Arab Republic. He served as special assistant to President Reagan and as deputy press secretary
043for foreign affairs in the White House. His other foreign service assignments were to Lebanon, Morocco, Jordan, France, and the Soviet Union. Following his retirement from government service in 1994, the ambassador became the founding director of Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy. He is the author of Danger and Opportunity: An American Ambassador's Journey through the Middle East. He has been awarded the presidential distinguished service award, the departments of states distinguished honor award, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the anti-defamation league's moral statesman award, the award for human humanitarian diplomacy from the Natania Econom Academic College in Israel, the National Order of the Cedar bestowed by President Amil Lahood of Lebanon, the order of Osim Aluite bestowed by King Muhammad 6 of Morocco and the order of honor bestowed by President Shir Shagan of Armenia. He
044is also a recipient of the association of rice alumni gold medal for his service to Rice University. The ambassador is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and on the board of trustees of the car Carnegie Corporation of New York. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the American Academy of Diplomacy. He is a proprietor of the Boston AANA and a senior fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School's Belelfford C Center's Middle East initiative. He is married to Franis Andre Lilan Marie Alter and they have two children Gregory and Francesca and four grandchildren Isabelle, Sebastian, Cassandra and Camila. And I cannot imagine a more distinguished speaker for this occasion. Thank you, Ambassador, for being with [Applause] us. Thank you very much, Senator, for that generous introduction. You can see
045that I've lived a long life. And there's a saying in the Middle East that I'm so old I can remember the Dead Sea when it was only [Laughter] sick. It is truly my honor to be with you to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Armenian genocide here at the Massachusetts State House, this historic venue. It's interesting why I went into the diplomatic service. The United States foreign service is connected to the genocide. My brother and I were born in New York. We were the children of genocide survivors. Our parents had lost their parents, their grandparents. They made, as was recounted today, the torturous trip to Dezour, to Aleppo, and to these shores in the United States in around the 1920s. And personally for me, my father when he immigrated through Ellis Island, he came here
046to Worcester and to Watertown. So I feel that we've retired, I'm returning the circle. One of the reasons I went into the foreign service was that in my high school years, it wasn't an intellectual realization, but more emotional and cultural that I realized that why did my brother and I and my parents survive when 1.5 million Armenians perished? That this was a gift of life that was given to us. and how could I repay this country, the United States of America, that gave safe haven to my parents and to so many Armenians. So I decided that it would be a great privilege to be able to serve my country abroad that represented all the principles and values of democracy and human rights that we are so fond of. In my view, the best way to
047commemorate the genocide is to move from victimhood to action. And by that I mean how can we the survivors advance and strengthen the Armenian identity, our culture, our religion and the Armenian nation? As Americans of Armenian origin, we need a vision. Armenia today stands at a pivotal crossroads of danger and opportunity with its future hanging in the balance. The relationship between the diaspora and Armenia is a crucial pillar of Armenia's ability to overcome its significant challenges. An independent and sovereign Armenia serves as the cornerstone of a sustainable diasporan Armenian identity. We and the diaspora have a responsibility to formulate a vision and a strategic approach that supports Armenia and Armenia living in peace and security with all of its neighbors. This is not merely a choice but a crucial obligation for us in the diaspora
048and for individuals committed to Armenia's peace and prosperity. I believe a shared purpose must guide diaspora Armenian relations, ensuring diasporan policies align with the interests of the Republic of Armenia, where we have almost 3 million Armenians living in our ancestral lands. Armenia remains the best hope for preserving for preserving the Armenian language, our culture, and our statethood. Strengthening Armenia's sovereignty is paramount to securing its prosperity and its survival. As a small state navigating an increasingly complex global system, Armenia must consolidate its democracy and I underline its democracy to thrive. The challenge lies in uniting Armenians in Armenia and the diaspora to build domestic capacities across all sectors and realize the full benefits of peace, security, and Armenia's independence. So what should our goals be? Well, in foreign policy, Armenia's foreign policy must leverage its potential
049to become a cultural, economic, and technological hub in the south caucuses. It can be that by positioning itself as a bridge between the north, the south, and the east and the west, Armenia can transform its border regions into zones of prosperity rather than isolation, danger, and warfare. Another goal is democracy and security. a dem a democratic Armenia governed by the rule of law, ensuring economic prosperity and pursuing a pragmatic national security policy will strengthen its military and domestic security to deter external threats. Armenia must prioritize normalization of its relations with its neighbors to minimize the threats to its existence, reduce dependence on foreign powers and secure stable borders. We in the the diaspora should actively support these goals and these efforts. Armenia should consolidate international support for its statethood and its territorial integrity through bilateral
050and multilateral diplomacy and public engagement. Collaboration between Armenia and the diaspora is vital for achieving these this goal. And when we make our case in Washington as Armenian Americans, the first words out of our mouth, be it a Democratic or a Republican administration, is not underscoring the ills we are undergoing, but stating upfront we believe it is in the national security interest of the United States for this administration to support Armenia and underscore what those national security interests are that bring the United States and Armenia together in common goals. Conflict resolution and peace building is essential. A just and durable peace and I choose those words very carefully. a just and durable peace agreement with Azharbaijan and normalizing relations with Turkey, including the opening of borders, are critical to Armenia's survival. Territorial and other disputes
051must be resolved through diplomacy, not coercion and not aggression. Domestic empowerment will enhance Armenia's foreign policy and national security and goals. Strengthening Armenia's institutions across civic, religious, political, and economic sectors is absolutely essential to ensuring popular sovereignty and robust governance. The Armenian government and diaspora must work together to address the plight of the refugees from Arsak and liberate the political prisoners who are unjustly incarcerated in Baku and support those Armenians who are displaced by conflict, including the prisoners. As was mentioned before, the Armenian church, and we're represented by our Armenian clergy here of various denominations, but the Armenian church and the Armenian religion is a central pillar of the nation's identity and should continue to play a vital role in preserving and enhancing the cultural and spiritual life of the Armenian people worldwide. and the
052Armenian government in Yedavan and the diaspora, not only in America but internationally, must collaborate transparently while respecting the mutual interests of the diaspora and the Armenian government. Namely, the Armenian government does not govern the diaspora and the diaspora does not govern the Armenian government. But our goals are the same. So moving forward, mobilizing the global diaspora requires individual and collective action amongst us all grounded in open, candid, and sustained communication with Armenia's government and representative groups. A sober, self-critical approach is essential to avoid geopolitical and moral existential crisis. Armenians must avoid revenge-driven maximalist demands and support regional peace, stability, and cooperation. We need to conduct diplomacy that is underpinned by a coherent strategy and informed by a nuanced understanding of the geopolitical landscape. This is in indispensable and the south caucuses today are in a
053vulnerable position. We have seen war erupt as noted by the Azarbaijan's invasion of Nagora Karaba taking it over producing ethnic cleansing in our time. But a coherent strategy is needed that understands the forces at play in order to underscore Armenia's survival. So effective statecraftraft, leadership, governance, and post-conlict stabilization are critical for Armenia's future. So in closing, this past Sunday, we celebrated Easter and the resurrection of Christ. The whole ethos of life after death has its parallel in the story of the Armenian people who survived the first genocide of the 20th century. So let us now move forward in honoring the sacrifice of the victims by strengthening our culture, our identity, and the Armenian nation. Thank you. Thank you, Ambassador, for your insightful and thoughtful remarks and thank you for honoring us with your presence. And
054it is now my pleasure to introduce Dr. Marina Marggerian for our musical interlude. Dr. Margarian is an accomplished pianist, composer, and educator who earned her doctorates degree in music theory and music education from Kamidus Conservatory and the Armenian Pedagogical University. She is the founder and director of the dome music school of music and the organist and music director at Holy Cross Armenian Catholic Church. Besides her professional achievements, Marina regularly dedicates her time and talents to supporting our community and cultural events, raising funds for local organizations, schools, churches, and especially the Armenian homeland. Today, she will be performing one of her many composition, Artsac. Please welcome her. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat.
055[Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Well, thank you Dr. McGaryen for such a beautiful musical performance. As we move toward our conclusion, I would ask that you all please bear with me for a few housekeeping items. For those of you who may need an elevator to go downstairs to our reception, upon exiting the House chamber, go left through the membersonly doors to which you'll see two elevators. If you take them down one floor to the second floor, you'll come right out at the Hall of Flags where the reception will be. Also, you can certainly take the one the grand staircase down one flight. And I would ask that after everyone
056clears out that members of the Knights and Daughters of Vartan stick around as we'll take a picture here in the well of the House Chamber. I also want to take a moment to thank the wonderfully dedicated committee and state house staff who helped put together this event today. [Applause] While many of us get the opportunity to speak to you all, please know that there are so many people behind the scenes that deserve all of the credit and that your help has not gone unnoticed or underappreciated. While myself, Senator Brownsburgger, Representative Owens, and Representative Rogers hosted today's commemoration. Both Representative John Lawn and Representative Kate Lipper Garabedian could not attend. Their support for this event and to our community has never wavered. I also want to take a moment as a night of our time to
057thank Avak Spared Hunan and Avak Durui Nancy for being in attendance. And I would be remiss to not mention again genocide survivor Mary Vartanian as she is one of the main reasons that why we are actually here today. I do also on behalf of the electeds here want to thank the electeds mentioned earlier who took the time out of their day to bring members from their community here. Representative McGonagal, Representative Soda, Representative Soua. Thank you guys for bringing your community to join with [Applause] us. As we gather today to honor and remember the lives lost during the Armenian genocide, we stand united in a commitment to never forget the pain, the suffering, and the injustice that so many endured. The story of the Armenian people is not just a tale of loss, but one of
058incredible resilience, strength, and an unwavering determination to preserve culture, heritage, and memory. In preparation for today, I found myself drawn to scripture to encapsulate what we all do feel. Habacook 3:es 17-19 state, "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit beyond the vines, the produce of the olive fail, and the fields yield no food. The flock be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls. Yet I will rejoice in the Lord. I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord is my strength. He makes me tread on my high places. This is a message about resilience and hope even when things seem hopeless. The scenarios listed have an almost defiant hope, a hope that will pres persevere even when the fields are completely barren and
059empty. That the trust in God to provide because he is their strength. Today we cannot let the cruelty of our past dictate our future. We cannot lose hope that those of us who carry our ancestry with us. The young St. Stevens and Arabuni children, the home and scouts and so many more will persevere for our ancestors. We reflect today not only on the atrocities committed but on the enduring spirit of those who survived and their descendants who continue to share their stories and sharing history will never be silenced. I would imagine that through your years in advocacy many of you have asked what else can you do? Several people have asked me even today what can be done? How do we get more attention? They note William Soyan as a noted novelist. They ask must
060they write their own book. They note Peter Bleian, a prominent poet, asking must they write their own poem. I believe commemorations like today should serve as a call to action for us all to educate to speak out against hatred and to stand against any form of injustice wherever it may arise. As we honor the victims, let us also reaffirm our commitment to the future. a future where the lessons of the past guide us toward a more compassionate, understanding world. Together, we can ensure that the voices that are lost are not forgotten and the legacy of their courage continues to inspire for generations to come. May the memory of those lost in the Armenian genocide live on in our hearts, our actions, and our shared resolve to create a world that values peace, justice, and the
061dignity of all people. I would ask that you all please rise as clergy from the Armenian community perform an order of intercessory prayer. Upon completion of the prayer, please remain standing at your seats as the procession of elected officials and clergy does exit the chamber. After the procession exits, please feel free to join us downstairs one flight in the Hall of Flags for light refreshments. There's an elevator available, as I mentioned, should you need it. I thank you all for taking part today and your time. May God bless you all. [Applause] Charson. foreign. Foreign speech. Foreign speech. Foreign speech. Fore! Foreign! Foreign! Denit. Amen. Let us beseech the Lord through the prayers of the holy martyrs who defeated evil and endured anguish and became worthy of luminous heavenly and everlasting crowns. through their prayers and
062intercession. May the Lord have mercy upon us and save us. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. Christ our God, you crown your saints with triumph and you do the will of all who fear you, looking after your creatures with love and kindness. Hear us from your holy and heavenly realm. By the intercession of the holy mother of God and by the prayers of all your saints, especially the holy martyrs who gave their lives during the Armenian genocide for faith and for the homeland. Hear us, O Lord, and show us your mercy. Forgive, redeem, and pardon our sins. Make us worthy thankfully to glorify you with the Father and with the Holy Spirit now and always and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Amen. [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Applause] my friends. Again, that concludes
063our ceremonies today and we hope to see you downstairs. May God bless you all. [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music]