Armenian army celebrated at Tekeyan Cultural Association event

by Florence Avakian

Published: Wednesday January 27, 2010

with Mr. and Mrs. Nazar Nazarians.

Cliffside Park, N.J. - There was an air of jubilation on Friday, January 22, as close to 200 people honored the recently appointed Ambassador of Armenia to the United Nations Karen Nazaryan, and celebrated the 18th anniversary of Armenia's Armed Forces Day. The special event, held at The Palisadium in New Jersey, was sponsored and hosted by the New York, New Jersey branch of the Tekeyan Cultural Association (TCA).

Following the singing of the American and Armenian national anthems, the program started solemnly with a moment of silence in commemoration of the Armenian soldiers, and martyrs of the Karabakh war. Dr. Svetlana Amirkhanian made a symbolic toast to all mothers whose sons are serving in the Armenian army, as well as for those who have been killed defending the Armenian homeland.

First time celebration

TCA New York, New Jersey Branch Chairman Hagop Vartivarian, introduced by TCA branch committee member Vartan Ilanjian, warmly welcomed Ambassador Karen and Mrs. Nana Nazaryan. Vartivarian pointed out that for the first time in the U.S., the anniversary of Armenia's Armed Forces Day is being noted and celebrated. Present for this special recognition was Armenia's Defense Attache in Washington, D.C. Lieutenant Colonel Mesrop Nazaryan, and his wife Rusanna Nazaryan.

Honored guests present at the head table were the Nagorno Karabakh Republic's Representative in U.S. Robert Avetisyan, Tekeyan Cultural Association Central Committee Vice Chairman Edmond Azadian, and Karabakh benefactor Andreas Roubian with Priya Katragadda.

Other special guests included Dr. and Mrs. Marian Housepian, Nazar and Ardemis Nazarian, Edward and Carmen Gulbenkian, Vahram and Lucienne Aynilian, Dr. Raffi and Vicki Hovanessian, Papken and Anahid Megerian, Van and Priscilla Krikorian, Sarkis and Maral Jebejian, and Dr. Gulekjian.

"The Tekeyan Cultural Association is a truly cultural organization. More than any other group, it preserves the Armenian language. This event is for all of us," noted Hagop Vartivarian with obvious pride. "Armenia has fifteen provinces in historic Armenia, of which four have been liberated. The Armenian army during the coming decades will liberate all of them," he declared with emphasis to lengthy applause.

Andreas Roubian, a successful entrepreneur, university lecturer, avid art collector, and Chairman of the Karabakh Committee in the late 1980's and early 1990's, "more than anyone else helped the soldiers of Karabakh," Vartivarian said in his introduction of the benefactor. In addition to aiding the fighters, the committee was also instrumental in helping the Karabakh widows, children, and survivors in the 1990's through its humanitarian endeavors.

In his remarks Roubian recalled that many diasporans were skeptical about his group at the time. However, the liberation of Kelbajar, a historic Armenian region sandwiched between Armenia and Karabakh changed their opposition.

"This victory was a phenomenon, because the Karabakh army was a group of irregulars," Roubian said. "As it was transformed into a regular army, it proved that if Armenia, Karabakh and the diaspora are united, we will win. We will always stay united," Roubian declared to thunderous applause.

A professional video demonstrating the military might of Armenia was shown, emphasizing its enviable position of being the strongest army in the Caucasus, ready to defend the homeland at all costs.

Ambassador Karen Nazaryan, a seasoned diplomat who has served with distinction in Russia, Geneva, and last six years as Armenia's Ambassador in Iran, was presented with a crystal momento by TCA Central Committee Vice Chairman Edmond Azadian who praised him as a "consummate diplomat".

Unwavering dedication

Ambassador Nazaryan, in his remarks of appreciation, paid tribute to Armenia's Armed Forces created 18 years ago. Calling it "one of the most important structures of the Armenian statehood," he stated that the army's establishment was made possible "through the immense efforts and unwavering dedication of Armenian men and women around the world."

He recalled that in the 1990's, during the "harsh war in Karabakh, and on the borders of Armenia, the Armenian fighters presented shining examples of combat valor. The heroic deeds of our fallen heroes, and the 18-year history of our army, are lessons of patriotism for our coming generations."

Today, the Armenian army "is rightfully viewed as a victorious and liberating army," the Armenian diplomat continued. "Our whole nation trusts and believes in our Army. Through the years, our armed forces have constantly been reinforced, improved and upgraded. Today it is the main guarantor of our peaceful life, and an important factor for the security and stability in our region. Eighteen years is a blink in our millennia old history, but this is a meaningful age for us. Today, we are confident that the Army will continue to fulfill with honor the tasks entrusted to it by the people and government of Armenia."

The Ambassador congratulated "all those brothers and sisters in the Armenian-American community who have made their valuable contributions to the establishment and strengthening of Armenia's victorious army. Today, we remember with profound gratitude all those who participated in the army-building mission. May God protect our Army. Glory to the Armenian soldiers, and long live the Republic of Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora," he declared to a standing ovation.

Closing the memorable event was the Very Rev. Haigazoun Najarian, Vicar General of the Armenian Diocese (Eastern) who was representing the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian who was unable to be present due to the death of his father earlier that day.

"Our people have fought many enemies throughout our long history to preserve our freedom," stated the Vicar General. "In Karabakh, all Armenians from every station in life through their strong spirit and faith, brought our struggle to successful conclusion. When we celebrate our military might, it gives us confidence for our future. Wars are not only fought militarily, but on every level, including diplomatically. Now at the United Nations, we are fortunate to have Ambassador Karen Nazaryan carrying on this important struggle, and we wish him every success."