91st Commemoration April 24, 2006 : Blogsphere Coverage [Part 3]

I will continue collecting those notes all over the blogsphere about the 91 Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, because I found out that there are so many non-Armenian bloggers who wrote and spread awareness among their readers about the Armenian Genocide and the infamous Turkish denial to it.... I thought that it's important that I recognize this honest effort of those non-Armenian bloggers and have the chance to thank them here.

** Remembering the Armenians was an article posted by DavidNic of the Italian (American) Catholic and Altogether Strange blog, which he wrote in commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, touching words in demanding Justice for the 1.5 Million Armenians who lost their lives in the Armenian Genocide, here's part of the article:

When he was going to start killing the Jews, Hitler asked: Who now remembers the Armenians? Sadly, the answer to that question still goes in the favor of not many.

The article above, is from two days after the event.When I say Turkey denies it, I don't mean the casually deny it. They aggressivly deny and attempt to discredit any evidence. But the truth will not be silenced. The evidence is overwhelming.

[...]

Some of the horror is reflected in a quote from Talat Pasha the Grand Vizer of the Ottoman empire when asked about the Armenians in 1918. He said with a smile:

What on earth do you want? The question is settled. There are no more Armenians.

In the face of the evidence, does the United States recognize the genocide? The answer is no. 39 of 50 states do, but there is no national declaration of recognition. The states that do and have made public recognition are:

Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

What countries have made similar declarations: Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela.

These are small lists. Too small. Armenia was the first Christian nation and their Christianity played a part in why they were killed by the Ottoman empire. All of the Apostolic Churches hold the founder of Armenia, St. Gregory the Enlightener (Illuminator) as a Saint. But the Christian world is still silent when it comes to the Armenian Genocide.

As long as this situation remains unchanged we must ask the same question as a man who was pure evil: Who now remembers the Armenians?

I do.Their Loving Father in Heaven does.. And I ask that you do.

** In April 26th, 2006, a blog titled The Classroom and the World published a post "Armenian Genocide" , in which it linked to an article by Khatchig Mouradian "Commemorating the Armenian Genocide" , the post reads:

Monday was for commemorating the Armenian Genocide. Although the Turkish government still denies what happened, there are many Turks that are beginning to admit what happened and discussed it. This willingness needs to be encouraged.

** Reliving The Armenian Genocide a post in Steve Goddard's History Wire blog, posted excerpts from the Los Angeles Times article titled "Genocide as History, Legal Flashpoint" published April 25, 2006

"She was only 3 when her family fled their Turkish homeland 91 years ago," reports the Los Angeles Times. "Alice Shnorhokian and her brother were too small to walk the long road to safety in the Syrian desert, so their parents strapped them in boxes on the sides of a donkey that carried the family possessions. On the eve of what came to be called the Armenian genocide, Shnorhokian saw fellow Armenians trying to escape from every village she passed. There was no food, water or shelter, she said. Babies and old people were dying along the way. Eventually, about 1.2 million Armenians would perish.

** Dave Montgomery wrote in a post Monday was a good day, including his letter to (one) editor, begins as follows :

Editor:

Monday, April 24th, marks the 91st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. These killings were prepetrated by the Turkish Ottoman Empire during World War I and claimed the lives of up to 1,500,000 Armenians. Up to this day, the government of Turkey denies these claims even though it is regarded as historical fact. This would be similar to Germany denying the Holocaust, something they have accepted responsibility for long ago. Until Turkey and the United States formally recognize this tragic event as a Genocide, as many other western countries have, the healing process for Armenian people and culture will be incomplete.

** Never again, article was posted April 25, 2006.. In commemoration of the Holocaust and condemning the perpetrators of all the Genocides and the silence of the bystanders :

Today is Yom Hashoah - Holocaust Rememberence Day, when we commemorate the victims of the holocaust.

[...]

I wish I could feel that something has been learned from the horrors of the holocaust... but looking at the news tells me that is a false hope. The list on Genocide Watch is too long to think that we have learned stop genocide.

We don't even act to force those who committed genocide to admit it - Turkey is on the verge on entering the EU while they not only deny the Armenian genocide but it is against Turkish law to speak of it. Even though Hitler, when planning the 'Final Solution' in 1939 stated "Who today remembers the Armenian genocide?"

The sad thing is what allows such things to occur. It is the silence of the bystander...

** I have always depended on the kindness of readers... a post by Russ Minick on April 25, in the The Fresno Bee Blog , it reads :

Sometimes you know you’re really going to strike a chord with something. I thought that about my commentary Monday on the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, and the shameful failure of both the Turkish and U.S. governments to acknowledge that horror.

Sure enough, the phone rang off the desk all day Monday, and I also got several e-mails, all praising the piece. Most were from Armenian Americans, but some were from odars like me who just get agitated by injustice on a grand and dreadful scale.
Usually when readers phone or e-mail, it’s to call me names.

That comes with the territory of the Opinion pages. I thank the people who took the time to offer all those kind words this time. They were a nice change of pace. And here’s hoping that recognition will someday come and justice will be done, for the memories of the victims, the peace of mind of their descendants and for the integrity of history.

**I also want to show my admiration of many great pieces that were worte by non other than our wonderful Armenian Bloggers ...

- Silencing the Armenian Genocide , great post by Tamar of ArmYouth Blog

- A March in California, wonderful piece written on an airplane from Long Beach to Phoenix, 24 April 2006; all photographs by Simon Maghakyan of Blogian.hayastan.com , including many pics he took for the March in Little Armenia, CA.

- April 24 – Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day a press release from the Canadian Armenian Network, by it's Executive Director & our fellow blogger Vahe Balabanian of Hye Log .

- Identifying my roots , an emotional post by Christian Garbis of Notes From Hairenik .

- President Bush turns his back on Armenia by JLD of Voch Me Ban.

- April 24, 1915 - April 24, 2006. We Pause to Remember the Armenian Genocide featuring different pictures related to the Armenian Genocide by Artyom of iArarat .

- Genocide Notes from the Armenian Blogosphere by the very talented Onnik Krikorian of One World Multimedia Blog .

- ?????????, ?????????? , on the April 24th activities in Montebello, CA. by the multitalented, & creative Hakob Gevorgyian .

- Photo of the March , was a post in The Basturma Chronicles sharing some datails and a photo of the march that started from the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia, Antelias and it's destination was Bourj Hammoud stadium, in Lebanon.

- Genocide Month was the contribution of Levon at the East Meets West: Two sides of the Armenian diaspora .

- April 24 in DC , a post linking to a photo collection of the Armenian demonistrations at Washington DC and it was posted by Arsineh of Life in the Armenian Diaspora blog.

It was a sad day for all Armenians, remembering our family members who lost their lives not for any wrong they did but just because they were Armenians... May they rest in peace, knowing that we will not let go of their rights, we will never let go and we will keep DEMANDING JUSTICE

JUSTICE IS WHAT WE WANT

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91st Commemoration April 24, 2006 : Blogsphere Coverage [Part 2]

** In a blog titled it's under my bed, it's never been read from my first little fib to my latest attempt , an Armenian blogger calls herself "K" posted many pictures about the Armenian Genocide, and some Excerpts from Black Dog of Fate: An American Son Uncovers His Armenian Past by Peter Balakian, and quotes by Adolf Hitler, Yossi Beilin, Talat Pasha, Henry Morgenthau Sr., Theodore Roosevelt, Jimmy Carter, and many others in a post titled "GENOCIDE ."

one of the pictures posted in K's blog, showing Cliff where Armenians were hurled to death

** Another blog "V for Vegetarian" the following was posted, along with few quotes and info. in a post titled "April 24, 1915...Never again":

Whether you are Armenian or not, it is important that you know and understand the importance of today.
April 24th is commemorated worldwide by Armenians as Genocide Memorial Day.

** Timothy Birdnow, wrote in his blog called Birdblog, published a post titled "Anniversary of a Forgotten Genocide"

Today marks the anniversary of the forgotten genocide ; on April 24, 1915 Turkish soldiers began a campaign of extermination against the Christian Armenian people who inhabited Ottoman controlled land in the Caucuses.
[...]
Let us not allow the Armenian deaths be in vain! We must remember them, pray for them, and keep them in our consciousness, lest this dreadful act of hatred be repeated!

** "Today is Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day" was the title of the article that appeared in Christian Johnson's blog Cinerati

This last weekend I noticed a lot of cars in my neighborhood displaying the Armenian flag. Living in Glendale, I didn't have to think long to determine why so many of my fellow citizens were proudly displaying their patriotic loyalty to Armenia. Today is the 90th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. There is a lot I could write, but I
will instead quote Teddy Roosevelt.

** And of course, the neat coverage of the event in some of the 91st commemoration places in USA that's provided by Inch es asum?! blog, she reported some details about the demonistrations in Washington DC , and the confronting Turkish protest with pictures, here are some of them

Armenian Genocide protest above.
Turkish and Azeri people protesting against Armenians, below.

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We All Are So Proud Of You Simon.. Kudos!

A good friend of mine, a fellow blogger of Blogian, & a bright Armenian young man Simon Maghakyan, was awarded today for being one of 20 students named to USA TODAY's 2006 All-USA Community College Academic First Team as representatives of all outstanding community college students.

Simon Maghakyan, 19 Arapahoe Community College, Littleton, Colo.

Studying: Political science

GPA: 3.8

Career goal: Professor

Accomplishments: Immigrating to the USA from Armenia in 2003 and studying in his third language, he organized a Genocide and Holocaust commemoration; won scholarship to attend a graduate course in genocide and human rights at the University of Toronto; founding member, student leadership council; honor society vice president; student newspaper reporter.

USA Today's link to profile

Today, he is one of 20 students named to USA TODAY's 2006 All-USA Community College Academic First Team as representatives of all outstanding community college students. All 20 receive trophies and $2,500 cash awards this morning at the American Association of Community Colleges convention in Long Beach, Calif. Forty more are named to Second and Third Teams.

"USA TODAY is pleased to honor students who travel so many different paths to gain success at America's community colleges," USA TODAY editor Ken Paulson says. "Their impressive achievements reflect their talent and commitment, as well as the environment of opportunity on community college campuses."

First Team members were chosen from approximately 1,500 students seeking associate degrees nationwide in a two-step judging process administered by Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society for two-year colleges. Judges consider academics, leadership and service, and how students apply their academic or intellectual skills to their schools, community or society. Simon Maghakyan was chosen to be a First Team member.

• An Armenian immigant, Simon Maghakyan didn't even know what a community college was when he moved to Littleton, Colo., in 2003 at age 16. A college adviser recommended Arapahoe Community College to help him better learn about America, and Maghakyan has not been disappointed. "Community college is a uniquely American entity, a tool of the American dream," he says.

Since he was awarded today April 24, 2006, but unfortunately won't be given time to make an acceptance speech Simon will be wearing a pin commemorating the Armenian Genocide to the ceremony.

Way to go Simon jan... BRAVO!!

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April 24, 2006 : Blogsphere Coverage [Part 1]

Photo from gallery of www.armeniangenocideposters.org

Tatiana an Armenian blogger, posted sevral pictures and quotes today, in commemoration of the Armenian Genocide.

In a blog called German Invasion, an article was posted titled "Armenian Genocide" it opens with :

Today is Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day.
According to this site, it is on April 24, ninety-one years ago, that "300 Armenian leaders, writers, thinkers and professionals in Constantinople (present day Istanbul) were rounded up, deported and killed." The same day, in Constantinople, "5,000 of the poorest Armenians were butchered in the streets and in their homes."

The murder of approximately 1.5 million Armenians between 1915 and 1917 is not officially recognized as genocide by countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, Israel, Georgia and the Ukraine. It is, however, generally accepted that systematic killing, based on ethnicity, was involved. Most official waverings seem to be prompted by politics, not by legitimate doubt as to the facts.

In this blog , and under the title of Mr. Olmsted's Neighborhood, the following was wrote:

Today is Armenian Genocide Day, and as I live in Little Armenia, the streets around my house are packed with cars covered in Armenian flags. Armenians dressed in black will hold a "parade" (for lack of a better word--it sounds a tad festive for the occasion) to commemorate the slaughter of a million souls by the Turks.

What it means to be Armenian... was the title of the article that Kibra, another Armenian blogger wrote in commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, in one part it reads :

Today is April
24th. The day we commemorate the martyrs of the Armenian massacre of 1915. These are not fictional people. These are my grandfathers family. My great grandparents, and their kids. MY FAMILY! This is the reason I dont have any immediate family, from my grandfathers side. We're Vanetzi's. He was one of the 200 survivors ...from a city of 100,000. So, to all those, who say...."...give it a rest man, it was almost 100 years ago" I say, this is MY FAMILY you're talking about!

I dont know who is going to read this, perhaps no one.

Well at least I did, and I hope that more people will do ... It's the only feeling of family that we have, by remembering our common experience, and the feelings that we all have towards this barbaric uprooting from our homeland and our families!

Another Armenian , Angelishis wrote an article about April 24 commemoration today, titled 1915 Armenian Genocide - learn about history , it reads :

On the night of April 23-24 1915, hundreds of Armenian intellectuals and community leaders were summarily arrested in the capital of the Ottoman Empire . The massive round-up resulted in the imprisonment of most Armenian politicians, priests, scientists, lawyers, doctors and writers of the Ottoman Empire . Shortly thereafter, the prisoners were deported to the inner provinces where nearly all of them were murdered by the authorities. Approximately 5000 community leaders were eliminates in this fashion. The Armenians were alarmed by the arrest of their community leaders. The Armenian deputies of the Ottoman Parliament expressed their anxiety to the government. These two deputies were themselves deported and assassinated.

April 24 each year since 1915 represents the symbolic date of the Armenian Genocide. That day is marked as a commemoration day for the victims of the Armenian Genocide. Many events and protests are organized throughout the world.

The blogger of "Inhale, Exhale, Repeat," in honoring her family and the victims of the Armenian Genocide, wrote the article titled Today: 91st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide

In honor of my Grandmother who became an orphan from this ordeal. She lost all of her family at the age of 5. In any web search for her last name she is the only person that comes up. In honor of my Grandfather who had to travel across Turkey dressed in disguise as a woman to Aisa in order to be hired by the American Red Cross and chartered on a ship to America. In honor of his 1st wife who died during the death march. In honor of his 2nd wife who died of Tuburculosis. In honor of my dead father and my ancestors and the legacy of my last name.

I light a candle on April 24th.

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