A Common Agenda: Day of Commemoration

By: Rosaline Paronyan
Paronyan.Rosaline@gmail.com

Let’s play a game. How can you tell its April 24 without looking at a calendar and disregarding prior anticipation to the day? The answer is simple – just look outside your window. The roads are brimming with gaudy cars draped in Armenian flags while the sidewalks echo with the chants of protesters. Young Armenians have derived various ways to observe the anniversary of the 1915 Armenian Genocide, but where is the line drawn between celebration and commemoration?

The actual Armenian Genocide was a day in which turmoil and death erupted in our motherland. It is indeed the darkest day in Armenian history; therefore, each proceeding April 24 should induce a time of mourning and reflection. Taking the day off from work or school in order to observe the anniversary in your own mode is encouraged.

Going to church is a very appropriate way to pay respects to our ancestors and to acknowledge the pernicious treatments they faced. Candles are lit in churches to embody prayers and establish connections between an individual and his or her ancestral roots. Staying at home to evaluate your thoughts and feelings seems to be the most prolific form of observing the anniversary. Many other young people choose to gather around with family while indulging in common Armenian foods, reciting memories, and breathing in each other’s presence. This is commemoration.

My true admiration goes out to young Armenians who choose to participate in protests against the delusions and denials of the Turkish government. Those who participate in protests are able to physically manifest their sorrow and mourning. Instead of embracing a more passive approach, these young protestors lift our flag high in the air and project their voices in unison.

Marches and protests alike show how committed the Armenians are to making a difference and unraveling the truth of our history. The march around the Turkish embassy is the only one I have participated in. The raw passion and union I experienced that day is barely describable. Being enveloped by both young and old Armenians gave me a sense of belonging and empowerment. In marches and protests, it is not only the cause that is so important, but the effects of the cause: bringing people together. Armenian gatherings on Genocide day also spark interest from other nationalities. Seeing bundles of people chanting, wearing dark colored clothing, and elevating printed poster-boards catches the attention of the public eye. Common people are taken by curiosity and want to inquire further about this occasion that sweeps communities every April 24th. Our protestors, along with many others, are able to spread the word and inform outsiders about our cause.

After telling someone that you are Armenian, have you ever come across a response consisting of “What’s Armenia? Is that a country?” Armenia is indeed small (I wonder why) and you can’t entirely blame one for asking such an ignorant question. However, since California is populated with a plethora of Armenians, it is our job to incessantly spread the word about our culture and our history. This is commemoration.

Typical of April 24 is an excess of Armenian flags plastered on luxury cars that blare music. If you have somewhere to be on this day, there is nothing wrong with a small humble flag hoisted from your car window. The flag represents a declaration of Armenian nationality and the yearning to connect to other Armenians in the community. Most importantly, this icon upholds the sacrifices made and hardships endured for the sake of our culture. However, I have a major problem with young Armenians who embellish their vehicles with senseless wording and with a painful amount of red, blue, and orange; one can presume that these people fall under the category “the attention whores.” It is astounding that some of our peers perceive April 24 as an opportunity to selfishly draw attention to their cars and to pursue girls, even guys, on the avenues. I’m not completely innocent. In the past, I have committed the unmindful act of driving around with friends in a car adorned with a couple of Armenian flags. It shocked me when a driver adjacent to us asked what the whole “celebration” is for. I was overcome with embarrassment and confusion. It occurred to me that I, along with my friends and the other ornamented cars around me, were making a mockery of such a sacred day. When the youth turns the anniversary of the Genocide into a festival or a car show, the cause that almost every Armenian has been reviving for almost 100 years is mitigated. Armenian individuals are inherently sensitive and defensive when the topic of the Armenian Genocide arises. Ironically, on April 24th, some of those same individuals mentioned are seen bombarding the streets on chrome wheels and Tupac melodies. One cannot rectify such actions. This is what I call celebration.

Ditch the superfluous decorations, the excessive amount of flags, and the parties; regard April 24 as a day to honor our ancestors and their struggles. We as a people are fighting for our history and must not be restrained by misinterpretations of the anniversary of the Genocide. Whichever act you choose to participate in on April 24, make sure it bears meaning not only to yourself, but to your ancestors and our ample history.