Hartford, CT- On Saturday April 26, 2008, over 120 Armenians gathered at the Hartford State Capitol for a commemorative service in recognition of the Armenian Genocide, reported the Armenian National Committee of America, Eastern Region.

The program included an invocation from the local Armenian Churches; recognition of Armenian Genocide survivors in the Connecticut area; remarks by Rep. John Geragosian (D-25); and presentation of a proclamation by the Governor; as well as remarks and singing by the youth and requiem service. Greg Kuo from the Genocide Intervention Network, gave an informative update on the actions GI-Net is taking to have the teachings of genocide in the school system.

Keynote speaker ANC Eastern Region Director Karine Birazian talked about taking action and being part of the solution. During her comments she said, “As Samantha Power, Pulizer Prize winner, for her book a Problem From Hell has discussed on several occasions, you can either be a bystander or an upstander. I implore all of you to become upstanders. And not watch another survivor pass without proper recognition or watch another Darfurian die. We must continue, as Armenian Americans, to raise our voices about the truth and ensure that our children will not have to bear witness to similar atrocities.”

Following the special requiem service a “Madagh” was donated by the St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church, the Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection, and St. George Armenian Apostolic Church where gatherers met with Birazian.

Earlier that week on April 24 community members gathered at the State Capitol for an annual Armenian flag raising ceremony. Following the events Geragosian commented: “For years we have been told that it is ‘not a good time’ to press for such a resolution. “Enough is enough; it’s time for us to come to grips with what many nations the world over have already recognized—the 1915 massacre of Armenian—Turks was a genocide.”

As Majority Caucus Chair, Geragosian was elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives in 1994. Representing the 25th district located in New Britain he serves on the Appropriations, Insurance & Real Estate, and Judiciary Committees.

State of Connecticut
By Her Excellency M. Jodi Rell, Governor: an Official Statement

WHEREAS, the Armenian genocide was a horrific, senseless persecution of millions of innocent Armenian citizens, during which perhaps as much as half of the population of Armenian was exterminated; and

WHEREAS, it is critical that we recognize and condemn the Armenian genocide; and

WHEREAS, the history of the Armenian genocide offers and opportunity to reflect on the moral responsibilities of individuals, societies and governments; and

WHEREAS, each year, Armenians throughout the world honor those who perished from 1915-1923; and

WHEREAS, the citizens of the State of Connecticut should always remember the terrible events of the Armenian Genocide and remain vigilant against hatred, persecution and tyranny, and

WHERAS, the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide each year provides an opportunity for people to reflect upon our own humanity and the need to respect all peoples; now

THEREFORE, I, M Jodi Rell, Governor of the State of Connecticut, do hereby proclaim April 26, 2008, as

A Day of Remembrance for the Armenian Genocide in the State of Connecticut, in recognition of the 93rd Commemoration of the Armenian genocide and in memory of its victims, survivors, rescuers, and liberators.

SIGNED: M. Jodi Rell