On Friday, March 27th 2015, a Memorial Evening dedicated to the Armenian Genocide Centennial organized by the ARCL took place at the “Yercho Samuelian - Yerakouyn” hall of the Armenian Prelacy in Bourj Hammoud.
The anthem of ARCL followed the national anthems of Lebanon and Armenia announcing the beginning of the commemoration.
Referring to the mission of the ARS, ARCL Regional Executive (REB) Chair Talin Kelbashian stated in her opening speech that the history of the Armenian Relief Society was written in blood as it has played an immense role in the Armenian Nation’s struggle to existence. She reminded the attendees that the ARS has and still reaches the various layers of the Armenian Community providing moral and financial support and assistance.
Kelbashian explained that the Armenian Genocide is still commemorated after 100 years because Armenians today have turned their many years of struggle into strength; strong will and strong unity.
She ended her speech by saying, “We, the ARCL members, have and always will remember our devoted friends, so The Armenian Relief Cross of Lebanon will continue its noble mission, and remain determined in its service to the Lebanese and Armenian people.”
The attendees watched a documentary narrating the terrors the Armenian people had experienced. The documentary also included a brief of the ARCL history, mission and activities.
Seta Margossian-Hadeshian, Chair of the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee in Lebanon, presented a brief on the foundation of the ARS and spoke of its mission and activities.
She ended her speech mentioning that in response to the indifference of the world, the Armenian community has adopted the forget-me-not flower as a symbol for the Centennial, which is the resolve of peace-loving and creativity. She stated that we will continue to restore justice and truth with our creativity, our art, our music and our literature.
Maestro Barkev Taslakian’s Fayha Choir’s performance captivated the audience and took them back to the world where Armenian music and art were born.
MP Ghassan Moukheiber hailed the Lebanese Armenians, a people who 100 years ago witnessed slaughter, who were deported from their land and deprived of their possessions, a people whose intellectuals were murdered in horrible ways, a people who resisted all this terror, a people who persevered; they became Lebanese citizens and an indissoluble part of the Lebanese People.
He also saluted the ARCL saying it was a brilliant star that guided and assisted its people during their dark times.
Moukheiber stated that the Armenians also had an important input in the development and thriving of Lebanon. He proudly reminded the attendees that the Lebanese Government was one of the first to recognize the Armenian Genocide, also reminding that the same Turkish sword that committed the Armenian Genocide starved to death a large portion of the Lebanese people.
The MP stated his support for the Armenian people and said that the Lebanese people stand by the Armenian people today and ask for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide and for justice for the Armenian People. He said that this is an obligation as Genocide is an act against humanity and if not condemned its perpetrator might commit it once again.
He explicitly announced that we are all Armenians; we all demand truth and justice. He said that the Armenian Cause remains valid as long as justice hasn’t prevailed. He urged all to remember and never forget the past. He expressed the importance of bringing the issue before the Supreme Court and reminded that justice must include moral and financial compensation.
Moukheiber said that recording of past events isn’t simply done to keep record and simply remember the stories but to write the future so the past will not be repeated.
With heart-felt emotions, Irma Kabakian-Dedeian recited the poem of Vahakn Tavtian called “I Believe in You, My Armenian People.”
The final speech was delivered by Lebanese Diocese Bishop Shahe. Pannosian. He spoke about the Armenian mother’s and women who have been a strong link throughout the Armenian history in the lives of the Armenian people as they used their mental skills and worked hard to lead the Armenian people by educating their children. He expressed desire that the Armenian mother would remain true to her mission for the coming 100 years asking God to give her strength and to add to her spirit of dedication.
He concluded his speech saying may we face the challenges of the future with renewed resolve and gain the justice for which we live and struggle with hope and faith.
The Young Dhol team of the Hamazkayin “Levon Shant” Center greatly enthused the audience by its performance which concluded the event.
We note that exquisite Armenian traditional women's costumes and delicate needle-work and embroidery were exhibited at the entrance of the hall which, with the harmony of their bright colors, created a mystical ambiance in the hall.
