WASHINGTON — Twenty-nine individuals and organizations were given Hero Awards today in a show of gratitude from the Armenian community to those who helped save hundreds of thousands of lives during the Armenian Genocide from 1915 to 1923 and have worked for its recognition thereafter.
At a banquet sponsored by the US National Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide Centennial (NCAGC), descendants of Genocide survivors and many others gathered to honor the nearly 1.5 million lives lost during the Genocide and thank those whose selfless and heroic actions enabled the Armenian community to survive and thrive today.
“If not for the actions of these men, women, groups and governments, the Armenian community as it is today would not exist,” said Noubar Afeyan, NCAGC Chair, who is himself the descendant of a Genocide survivor.
“While this centennial is a solemn commemoration of the tragic events 100 years ago, we owe an enormous debt of gratitude to those saviors whose brave actions helped us survive,” he continued. “We must now unite and work together to forge a more peaceful future free of genocides.”
The evening first welcomed guests at a reception featuring exhibitions on the history of the Genocide, musicians playing Armenian music, and displays of Armenian artwork. Guests gathered in the banquet hall for the formal dinner, which included remarks by former Secretary of the Navy Paul Ignatius, former US Ambassador Edward Djeredjian and journalist Lara Setrakian.
At the ceremony, a diverse group of awardees — including representatives of the United States Congress, former US Presidents and numerous foreign governments and institutions — were honored for their contributions to the survival and rebuilding of Armenian life over the past 100 years. John Heubusch, executive director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, accepted the award on behalf of the late 40th US
