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Armenian National Committee of Massachusetts
80 Bigelow Ave., Watertown MA 02472 | anc.ma@anca.org
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release ~ 2009-03-06
Contact: Sharistan Ardhaldjian ~ (617) 926-1918 |
MASSACHUSETTS ARMENIAN COMMUNITY MOURNS PASSING OF GEORGE KEVERIAN |
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Former House Speaker was Champion of Free Speech and Government Reform; Organized First Commonwealth Observance of Armenian Genocide |
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WATERTOWN, MA – The Armenian National Committee of Massachusetts joined with Armenian Americans throughout the commonwealth today in mourning the passing of former House Speaker and government reform champion George Keverian.
“Speaker Keverian’s commitment to free speech and open government set the standard for civic reform throughout the Commonwealth – a legacy which has touched all levels of Massachusetts governance,” said ANC Eastern Massachusetts Chairwoman Sharistan Melkonian. “At the same time, his commitment to proper U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide and devotion to Armenian American concerns garnered the respect and admiration of our communities nationwide.”
Keverian grew up in Everett, MA, and attended Everett High School and later Tufts College and Harvard College. He began his political life in 1953 at the age of 21, with his election of to the Everett Common Council. He would later serve 24 years in the Massachusetts House, six of which as Speaker.
During his years in the House, Keverian organized the first Armenian Genocide observance at the State Capitol – an event which continues annually to this day.
In addition, Keverian’s commitment to education touched the lives of many. On the morning of his death he was scheduled to read Dr. Seuss to students at an elementary school in his home town that bears his name. He had also served on the boards of directors of vital institutions including the St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary school in Watertown, Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Service Alliance.
Massachusetts House Speaker Robert DeLeo told the Boston Globe earlier today that “[Speaker Keverian] led the House during a tough fiscal time and was not afraid to make difficult decisions for the benefit of the entire commonwealth. On a personal level, Keverian was a kind man, who made a tremendous contribution to his hometown of Everett, which he loved so much."
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