Thousands Gather in Times Square, United in Message, to Honor Armenian Genocide  Survivors

“Fact always prevails over falsehood,” said Smith. “If you deny the past, you’re powerless in the present.”

Noting the strength and collective spirit of the Armenian community, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY), said, “empires have risen and fallen, but you’re still here.”

Schumer recalled the founder of the Armenian Genocide Times Square Commemoration, Sam Azadian, who introduced the senator to the history of the Armenian Genocide when he was a newly elected assemblyman. “In his memory, I am here to fight this fight with you,” said Schumer. “I stand here with you in labeling the atrocities committed against the Armenian people as what it was, genocide. No denier can take that away from you.”

As he took the podium, New York City Council Member Paul Vallone (D-NY) encouraged everyone to chant “Armenia!” Delivering on his promise in previous years to make sure the Armenian Genocide is recognized in the state of New York, the councilman proudly presented the proclamation to the audience and read it aloud for all to hear.

Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) restated her support of the Armenians and refused to let anyone forget the Armenian Genocide.

“The Armenian tragedy is our tragedy,” said Maloney. “We will be with you until it’s in the textbooks of Turkey.

Turkish historian Taner Akçam, a trailblazer in acknowledging and discussing the Armenian Genocide, said he was representing “another” Turkey, consisting of people who are ready to rediscover their past and to erase the “black stain” on their history.

“I speak for many when I say to the Armenian people my sincere apologies for the past crimes and a century of denial,” said Akçam, to thunderous applause. “I promise in this name of other Turkey to put an end to these denials.”

Akçam noted that there is not enough external pressure on Turkey from the international community and it’s troubling the US continues its denialist policy. He said the Armenian people will receive closure only when the truth is acknowledged.

“Without truth, there cannot be peace,” said Akçam. “On behalf of this other Turkey, we are determined to continue to struggle until truth prevails.”

Academy award winner and playwright Alex Dinelaris spoke of his grandmother Rose and the influence she had in imbuing his Armenian roots into his life.

“The Armenian culture was in my blood and it nourished me like the food, and it made me realize something I wasn’t before — strong,” said Dinelaris. “I will never forget my grandmother Rose, my ancestors and the important journeys they made.”

Best-selling author Chris Bohjalian stressed that the Genocide matters both morally and politically. He pointed out the direct link between the Armenian Genocide and the ones that followed in the past century, urging the world to “put righteousness before realpolitik.”

“Thanks to our activism we are winning and the denialists are losing,” said Bohjalian to great fanfare. “Let them come again because we will build a new Armenia!”

The musical highlight of the program was a performance by popular musician Sebu Simonian of the Grammy-nominated indie pop duo, Capital Cities. Traveling from Los Angeles to perform for the Times Square Commemoration, Simonian shared his family’s story of escape from the Armenian Genocide before playing his set, including the poignant Armenian lullaby Koon Yeghir Balas, (Cradle Song), his personally penned, Cilicia, and his number one hit, Safe and Sound.

Rabbi Steven Burg, Simon Weisenthal Center, Museum of Tolerance, urged the next generation to continue the fight and stop crimes against humanity. Genocide survivors including Honore Gatera, Kigali Genocide Memorial Center (Rwanda) and Angelo Maker and Benjamin Machar, the Sudanese Lost Boys Survivors, encouraged everyone to stand hand in hand to build a peaceful world.

Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of Armenian Church of America (Eastern), gave the invocation and Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), delivered the benediction. Other clergy in attendance included Very Rev. Thomas Garabedian of the Armenian Catholic Eparchy of the United States and Canada.

Knights of Vartan Grand Commander Steve Kradjian and Daughters of Vartan Grand Matron Lisa Kradjian delivered remarks as well as Hayg Oshagan, on behalf of the Armenian National Committee of America and Van Krikorian, on behalf of the Armenian Assembly of America.

The winners of this year’s Knights of Vartan high school essay contest were announced at the program: Davit Hovhannisyan, 1st place, Nicole Ani Issagholian, 2nd place, and Nareg Balian, 3rd place.

The Areni Choir of the Armenian Society of Little Neck, under the direction of Dr. Armine Vardanian, sang the national anthems of the United States and Armenia, as well as God Bless America.

The 100th Armenian Genocide Commemoration in Times Square was organized by the Mid-Atlantic chapters of the Knights and Daughters of Vartan and the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee (Eastern Region). Co-sponsors including the Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Armenian Assembly of America, the Armenian National Committee of America, the ADL-Ramgavars, and the Armenian Council of America. Participating organizations included the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), Prelacy of the Armenian Church, Armenian Missionary Association of America, Armenian Presbyterian Church, the Armenian Evangelical Church, the Armenian Catholic Eparchy for US and Canada and numerous Armenian youth organizations, including the Armenian Church Youth Organization of America, the Armenian Network of America, the Armenian Youth Federation, Homenetmen Scouts, Hamazkayin Cultural Association, Tekeyan Cultural Association, Noyan Tapan of Brooklyn, NY, Columbia University Armenian Club, the Armenian Students Association, and the People’s Democratic Party Kurdish Delegation, Circassian Society of Greater New York, Greek Hellenic, Pan-Cypriot Group and Assyrian and Syriac Orthodox Groups. Dance groups including Akh’tamar Dance Ensemble NJ, AGBU Antranig Dance Ensemble NY, Aradzani Dance Group NY, Hye Bar Dance Group NY, Vanoush Khanamiryan Dance Academy NY/CT, Hamazkayin Nayiri Dance Ensemble NJ, Hamazkayin Meghry Dance Ensemble and Yeraz Dance Ensemble NY.

Dr. Mary Papazian, President of Southern Connecticut State University, and Armen McOmber, New Jersey attorney, served as MCs.