WHAT’S NEXT ?

Vahe H. Apelian

The whole world can henceforth rightly claim that the United States of America has recognized the Armenian Genocide.  After the recent historic house resolution, the unanimous vote by the Senate today on the same resolution came rather fast and maybe unexpectedly. The people of the United States of America, through their elected representatives affirmed that the sad and tragic period of Armenian history, Armenians have called MEDZ YEGHERN was indeed a genocide. I quote Sen. Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican who sponsored the resolution with Robert Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat:  "The Senate finally took a stand and spoke the truth – spoke the truth to darkness, spoke truth to evil, spoke truth to murder, spoke truth to genocide – and finally honored the 1.5 million innocent lives lost," said. (Deirdre Shesgreen, USA TODAY 12-12-2019).

The inevitable question immediately rose on social media; WHAT’S NEXT?

The question reminded me of the round table discussion the A.R.F. Zavarian Student Association had organized in late 1960’s or early 1970’s about the ways and means of achieving a united, free and independent Armenia. The prevailing reality was grim and the prospect of achieving a united and free independent Armenia even looked grimmer for the round table participants. The day’s discussion came to its end in a somber mood. It was then that  Dr. Papken Papazian concluded the meeting with a speech that has remained etched in my memory.

Dr. Papken Papazian was a Tashnag leader at the highest levels. He was also a lover of theater. He was a physician, but I am not sure if he practiced medicine or if he in fact had any interest practicing medicine. He was and remained an ardent Armenian activist in heart. He was a superb orator. His bespectacled demeanor on the podium, his gesticulation, tone of voice, eloquence of language captivated us all. He and Sarkis Zeitlian were the speakers most of us did not want to miss. That afternoon Dr. Papazian extolled our efforts and urged us to keep the dream alive and that we cannot predict how international relations will pan out in the future in our favor for us to achieve our ultimate goal. I bet his speech that late afternoon appeared to many of us  a pep-talk to keep us going.

Fast forward. If my recollection serves me well, it was in November 1989 that James Baker declared, as the Berlin wall collapsed, that the Soviet Union we knew does not exist anymore.  Every year A.R.F. presents itself to the public and notes its year-long activities to the public. That year I was asked to be the master of the ceremony in New Jersey and introduce the speaker. James Baker’s declaration came to my mind and I noted in my opening remark about the likelihood of Soviet Armenia emerging as an independent country. I could hardly believe the words I was uttering. I remembered Dr. Papken Papazian as I remember him to this day. Who would have guessed then that the mighty Soviet Union would implode and collapse just like that? At least, I did not, but the mighty Soviet Union indeed imploded just like that and on September 21, 1991 history made a full circle and the Republic of Armenia re-emerged.

WHAT’S NEXT as of this historic day on 12-12-2019?

I am also reminded of  an Armenian genocide commemoration in the Hovagimian-Manougian School hall in Beirut It was during the same time frame. The main speaker was Kersam Aharonian, the editor of Zartonk Daily and a Ramgavar leader. It is there that he introduced a slogan and asked the audience to repeat it year after year – “Next Year in Van”. 

In 2010,  for the very first time since 1915 church service was held in Akhtamar Island’s Saint Cross (Sourp Katch). In spite of all the controversies it created, it was a historical moment, as far as I am concerned. The event reminded me of Kersam Aharonian. Four decades and a few more years later we were in Van, or could have been, at our choosing, albeit only as visitors.

It could be that we will be in Van in near or distant future, not as avengers but as ambassadors of good will and of good conduct that coming to terms with history relieves and unburdens us as people, be it Turks as well.

WHAT’S next ? WHO KNOWS  ?