Vahe H. Apelian
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| LtoR: Michael Hovsepian, Mary Yozmali, Daniel Apelian |
On the grounds of the Home for the Armenian Aged in Emerson, N.J. stands a unique monument commemorating the Armenian genocide. It was erected in 1965, during the 50th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide commemoration. Arguably it is the first Armenian Genocide commemoration monument in North America.
The 50th anniversary marked a sharp departure from the customary commemoration of the genocide. Along with the traditional religious services held indoors, a public outcry was heard from every Armenian community. One of the most visible signs of this public outcry became the unveiling of memorial monuments. On May 23, 1965, a memorial monument commemorating the genocide was unveiled on the grounds of the Home For The Armenian Aged, presently known as Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. It is claimed that it is the first of such monuments. I have no way verifying or denying the claim. But one thing is unquestionably unique about this Armenian genocide commemorative monument, and that is its inscription. It reads: "IN MEMORY OF 2 MILLION CHRISTIAN ARMENIANS MASSACRED BY THE TURKS IN 1915 -1918."
The Memorial Monument unveiling ceremony took place on Sunday, May 23, 1965. The monument stood against the construction background of the Memorial Nursing Wings. Scarlet geraniums were planted at the base of the monument symbolizing the blood spilled by the martyred. The program commenced as the Lionettes and The American Legion Color Guard marched from the Emerson Borough Hall with Mayor Castello and the President of the Home, Mr. Armenag Mardirossian, leading the marchers. The 45 members all-girl band played the marching music all the way to the Home grounds and played the Star-Spangled Banner as the flag was raised and lowered to half-mast.
Already gathered and waiting at the monument site were Governor Richard J. Hughes, Congressman Charles S. Joelson, Congressman Henry Helstoski; U.S. Commissioner Theodore Kiscaris, Ned Parsekian, former Motor Vehicle Commissioner of the State of New Jersey, Mr. Ernest Villas, Representative of the Archdiocese of the Greek Orthodox Church, Rev. Fr. Arnak Kasparian of St. Thomas Armenian Apostolic Church of Tenafly, N.J., and Rev. Socrates Mackitar of the the Armenian Presbyterian Chruch of West New York, N.J., and George Del Monte, musical comedy star. The Master of the ceremonies was Lud Shahbazian, Sports Editor of the Hudson Dispatch of the Bergen County.
The Emerson Post American Legion fired a 19 volley salute as Mr. Armenak Mardirossian drew the black and purple curtain to unveil the towering memorial table.
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| Unveiling the Monument on May 23, 1965 |
The attending dignitaries took part in the ensuing program and addressed the crowd. After the ceremonies, the guests and the residents of the Home feasted on Madagh, a roast lamb dinner. The next day, the local newspapers, such as-as "The Herald News", "The Paterson News", "The Morning Call" reported the unveiling ceremony.
The Memorial Monument was vandalized either on late Wednesday or early Thursday, December 13, 1973. Vandal s had struck the monument and had pried eighteen brass letters from the face of the monument. The letters were strewn about the foot of the memorial and a screwdriver was found nearby. The incident was reported in "The Record" the next day. The memorial inscription was reinstated and stands to this day.
This Armenian Genocide commemoration monument with its unique inscription serves as a site where New Jersey Armenian organizations gather to commemorate the Armenian genocide;
Note: A segment from the special issue of HYEDOUN I wrote in 1993, the nursing facility's mewsletter that is periodically published to this day.
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