The History and Meaning Behind Veterans Day

Posted in honor of immediate family members who are veterans having served in the armed forces of their respective countries and honorably discharged after service: my wife Marie Apelian (U.S.), my paternal cousin Stepan Apelian (Syria), and my maternal cousin Haig Chelebian (Syria), and all the rest who served. 

I came across this article. I could not share it on my Facebook page. I copied it and posted it in my blog. It is titled “Learn the History and Meaning Behind Veterans Day” By Catherine Boeckmann on September 12, 2023. Since 2008, Catherine Boeckmann has been the editor of Almanac.com and all things digital for The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Catherine is also a Master Gardener with Purdue University Extension and volunteers with Helpings of Hope community garden to support local refugees and food pantries.

 

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Veterans Day is observed every year on November 11. This year, the 11th day of the 11th month is a Saturday. Learn the true meaning of Veterans Day and its important history—as well as ten ways to show vets how you appreciate the sacrifices that they have made. 

When Is Veterans Day?

Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States, observed officially on November 11, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls. 

In 2023, Veterans Day will be observed on Saturday, November 11.

Veterans Day Dates
Year	Veterans Day
2023	Saturday, November 11
2024	Monday, November 11
2025	Tuesday, November 11
2026	Wednesday, November 11

 

What Does Veterans Day Mean?

Veterans Day is an important day set aside to honor and show appreciation for ALL who have served in the United States military—in wartime or peacetime, living or deceased. ”We can’t all be heroes; someone has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by.”
—Roy Rogers

In Canada, November 11 is called Remembrance Day. This day, which is more similar to Memorial Day than Veterans Day, honors veterans who have died in service to their country.

What’s the Difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?

On both Veterans Day and Memorial Day, it’s customary to spend time remembering and honoring the countless veterans who have served the United States throughout the country’s history. However, there is a distinction between the two holidays:

·       Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL who have served, living or deceased, but in particular the living veterans among us. 

·       Memorial Day specifically commemorates the men and women who died while serving their country and made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. 

A Short History of Veterans Day

Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day in the United States, commemorating the signing of the agreement that ended World War I at 11:00 A.M., November 11, 1918. President Woodrow Wilson celebrated the first Armistice Day in 1919.

In 1938, November 11 became a legal holiday by an act of Congress.

In 1954, this federal holiday was changed from “Armistice” to “Veterans” Day.

Although this holiday initially honored those who perished in service to their country, when the holiday’s name was changed to Veterans Day, it became a day to honor ALL the men and women who have served in the armed forces of the United States.

Each year, special ceremonies are held at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Lt. Col Marie Apelian, Greater Cincinnati Woman Veteran
 of the Year, November 9, 2012

10 Ways To Show Vets Appreciation

Remember that Veterans Day is to honor the service of all Americans who have served, but particular the living veterans among us. Many of our vets stepped in harm’s way on our behalf. 

Therefore, a cheery “Happy Veterans Day!” may not be fitting to a person who may have friends who died in combat. According to a veterans poll (CVN), 49% of vets feel uneasy with the expression, “Thank you for your service.” They weren’t sure how to respond, and preferred action to words. 

But don’t get hung up on not knowing exactly how to express your gratitude to a veteran. Everyone knows and appreciates a kind word and, even better, an act of kindness.

Here are 10 ways you can show vets that you appreciate the sacrifices they made:

1.   If you personally know a veteran (perhaps a relative, friend, or even a neighbor), reach out to them on Veterans Day with a phone call or visit! This is one opportunity to engage beyond just saying thank you. If they are comfortable discussing it, ask a vet where they served, where they were stationed, what specific jobs they did while serving, and so on.

2.   If you’re not close to a veteran, write a thank you card and drop it off at a VA hospital. If you’re not in time for this Veterans Day, that’s fine; a thoughtful card is appreciated any time. Or, contact Operation Gratitude, which sends letters of thanks and care packages to veterans as well as deployed vets. 

3.   Place a small flag on every veteran’s grave. This is an annual tradition for many scout troops. In some states, there are “Operation Flags For Vets” organizations. Call your local cemetery first for permission.

4.   Do you have a driver’s license? Help bring disabled vets to their doctor appointments. Contact the hospital service coordinator [PDF] at your local VA Hospital.

5.   If you make charitable donations, consider helping wounded veterans. Or, sponsor an “honor flight” to send veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam to Washington D.C. to see their national monuments. Donate here.

6.   Perhaps you or your church group or scout group would like to actively help a vet in your own community? Contact a local veterans assistance program, such as the one offered by DAV. From helping do yard work or running errands. There’s sure to be a need.

7.   Call your Veterans Administration Hospital. See how you can help out.

8.   Display the flag proudly to salute our veterans! See how to properly display the American Flag.

9.   Read the poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae and reflect on the poem’s significance to veterans. 

10.                 Spend an hour or more learning about our nation’s veterans. The Great War Society has developed a Web site devoted to World War I educational materials. The World War IIMemorial celebrates the victory of “the greatest generation” with a design that uses moving water to harmonize with its natural surroundings. Visit the Korean War Veterans Memorialonline; this moving memorial, dedicated in 1995, is the latest addition to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. See a registry of all the names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.

Stepan Apelian

 

 

November 9, 2020 & November 9, 1920

 Tatul Hakobyan posted the following from Yeraskh, Ararat, Armenia, on his Facebook page today, on November 9, 2023. He also drew a comparison to another decisive period in our recent history, one hundred years ago today as well, November 9, 1920.

Alexander Khatisyan 

Tatul Hakobyan's post noted the following: “Today marks the 3rd anniversary of the announcement of the 44-day disaster, which many consider a capitulation. I have often used that word, but after September 2023, November 9 is the lesser of the evils. The final capitulation, or the last part of the capitulation, was the decree to dissolve Artsakh, as well the handing of millions of dollars’ worth of Armenian military equipment, to the Russian-Azerbaijani alliance.

It is apropos to note that November 9, 1920 was also a very tragic day. On that day, Karabekir presented a new ultimatum to Armenia from the already captured Alexandropol. The commander of the Eastern Front of the Kemalists - Kâzım Karabekir - demanded the Armenian government relinquish its arms." (read below, my translation of the Armenian government’s communication and appeal in “Haratch” daily, in Yerevan).

Tatul concluded the post stating that he was not able to find out whether the Armenian government complied with the Turkish demand in part or in full. But that on the night of November 23, 1920, as Alexander Khatisyan (Armenia’s PM) was going by train from Yerevan to Alexandropol (the present day Gumri) to sign the capitulation, a part of the Armenian war materiel  was being taken away in another wagon.

*******

The communication and the appeal the Armenian government issued on November 9, 1920.

GOVERNMENTAL COMMUNICATION

HARATCH

Social, political, economic, literary newspaper

Yerevan

“You already know that the Armenian government accepted the conditions  the Turkish command proposed on a November 6 for a truce. The conditions were harsh. But the interest of the country and the people’s demand for peace, necessitated accepting, especially that the government in Ankara had officially communicated on November 2, to begin the peace negotiations.

At that time when the conditions of November 7 truce were already being implemented and we were ready to send a delegation for peace, the same government in Ankara, in its November 8 telegram, informed that it is changing the conditions for truce and is proposing new conditions. The conditions were the following: in 24 hours the Armenian forces were required to retreat again east of (Սուրմալու (Surmalu) – Արաքս Կայարան (Araxe Station) – Գըզըլ Զիարէթ – Արագած լեռան լանջը (Aragats Mountain slope) -Տանազիրմազ Նօվօ – Լոռիրենք – Շերմուք – Եալվանագաղ) line. That is to say, yield to the Turks more than half of Armenia. The Armenian government should also relinquish to the Turks in Alexandrapol, 2000 guns, 60 machine guns, 12 cannons, 4000 mules, 1000 chests of bullets, 6000 cannonballs, 2 steam engines, 50 wagons. Right after signing the truce, the transport of military equipment will cease on the Sanahin (Սանահին)-Alexandrapol (Ալէքսանրապոլ) rail line, and a few more demands.

To accept these conditions means to give up the most important positions for defending our country and totally disarm in front of the enemy.

Such reneging of the conditions of the truce and the demand for such deadly conditions mean that the enemy, not only has no desire to make peace, but aims to destroy Armenia and annihilate the Armenian people

Given the demanded conditions, the government could not trust the intent of the Turkish conditions, refused the new conditions demanded by the government in Ankara, over the the truce signed on November 7. There is no reason to renege the truce already in force.

Armenian people, informing you about all this, the government appeals to your rightful instincts and prudence.  You, who did not will to protect the state’s border at Սարիղամիշ (Sarikamish), Կարս (Gars) and Ալեքսանդապոլ (Alexandrapol), the enemy over again is threatening, not only your freedom but also of your lives. You should wake up before it’s too late. The enemy is coming with a small force. Its success will be because of your inertia (indifference). If you will, it will not only be incapable of annihilating you, but having been defeated will give up on its diabolic objectives.

Citizens, the Armenian government is resolute in its decision to fight the enemy that wills its joy on your corpses. Unrelenting and decisive fight, until the enemy proposes terms for truce that are acceptable to us. There is no other way out. Stand up Armenian people, this is the last make or break battle.

The Government of the Republic of Armenia

November 9, 1920

Yerevan” 

 

 

 

 

With G.J.Libaridian: A Precarious Armenia

Vahe H. Apelian

 

Almost as soon as I put my request to NAASR for a copy of G.J. Libaridian’s new published book titled “A Precarious Armenia”, I read that he will be presenting the book at NAASR. I called NAASR and asked them to hold on shipping the copy I purchased and have it autographed by Libaridian and mail the personalized copy.

I knew Jirair since my days at the Sourp Nshan Armenian School in Beirut. He is older than me by a year. His sister Seta was in my 1962 graduating class.  His younger brother was my late brother’s classmate. My mother taught at the same school. The Libaridian family name was well known. His brother Razmig was a star on the Armenian stage in the Hamazkayin Gaspar Ipekian theater group. His elder sister similarly acted on the stage. The family as a whole was known as an activist family. 

After graduating from Sourp Nshan Jirair attended the famed Nshan Palandjian Djemaran, which was the natural progression as both Sourp Nshan and Djemaran had French language curriculum, although Sourp Nshan School also taught English as the continued legacy of its former principal Minas Totolyan. When I graduated, my parents decided to enroll me in the Armenian Evangelical College high school, which has an English language curriculum.  That may have been the reason that I was held a year and repeated my 9^th grade and that may have been the reason that Jirair graduated from Djemaran in 1963 while I graduated from the Armenian Evangelical College in 1965.

When Jirair left for America to study, he made waves. Usually, it was the Armenian Evangelical high school students who left for America after college to further their  education. Coming to America to study after high school was a rarity, especially from Djemaran.  But Jirair, a graduate of Djemaran, after teaching there for a year, was moving to America to study history and thus was breaking a new ground. The 1963 Djemaran graduating class students were known as activist students. Some of his classmates were members of ARF Zavarian Student Association, so was I, and Jirair was often mentioned in conversation. 

In 1976 I moved to the United States and I met him there. I remember one particular situation when I was tasked to pick him up from the Newark airport. He was in NJ to be at an ARF meeting that may have to do with the Zoryan Institute he helped found. Naturally we chat during the ride. 

“A Precarious Armenia” is a thick book, comprised of 580 pages. The cover notes that the book is about “The Third Republic, the Karabakh Conflict, and Genocide Politics.” He has dedicated the book “To Movses Khorenatsi, the 5^th century Armenian Historian, who understood the value of sovereign statehood and recognized the role of domestic factors and elites in its disappearance.”  A review of the book may be read on Amazon.com.

Jirair’s lecture at NAASR took place on September 12, 2023. When I received the personalized copy of the book a few days after his presentation, I wondered if he remembered me. I contacted him through NAASR. Sure enough, he had and we had a chat catching up on things.

Levon Ter Petrosyan, the first nationally elected president in our history has aroused my interest lately. Over the years I have come to conclude that his ouster in 1998 was a blunder of historic proportion that altered the course of our most recent history. Although, I will admit, during those years I was also carried by the Artsakh euphoria and thought that Levon Ter Petrosyan was being too conciliatory. Liberation of Artsakh seemed to have redeemed our history. During this euphoria I too obviously did not comprehend fully that there was still the peace we needed to win and that the fundamental issue “ is not about giving up or not giving Karabakh up  Karabakh.  It is about keeping Karabakh Armenian. It was inhabited by Armenians for 3000 years and it should be inhabited by Armenians after 3000 years” (LTP – “War or Peace, Time to get Serious”). 

Jirair's latest book I purchased, I thought would help me understand better the “the Third Republic, the Karabakh Conflict, and Genocide Politics”, as the cover of the book stated it covered.   

I had hardly started reading a select chapter of the book, as the book can be read in increments, when hell broke loose and the Karabakh conflict ended for my generation and was relegated to history. Artsakh is depopulated of its history long native Armenians. And when I read that my Armenian Evangelical high school classmate and friend Vaghenag Tarpinian MD is going to host Jirair Libaridian at St. Leon’s church hall, in NJ, I decided to attend it. 

My wife and I drove to NJ on the November 5, Sunday morning and attended Jirair’s presentation in the afternoon. NJ is dear to Marie and I. It is there that our immigrant experiences first took place. Marie’s mother sang in the St. Leon’s choir. We had not been in the state since we moved to MA. It ended up being a memorable trip having met friends who attended the presentation.

 Vaghenag had sent me a copy of his introduction of Jirair he read. With his permission I am attaching it here. 

““Good evening, ladies

Good evening, gentlemen

My name is Vaghenag Tarpinian

Thank you for attending the introduction of latest book, “Precarious Armenia”, by our speaker Dr. Jirair Libaridian, who is a historian, scholar, educator and a diplomat.

Dr. Libaridian is a luminary in the field of Armenian history and an internationally respected figure as a scholar and diplomat. He truly needs no introduction, never the less let us take a closer look at his remarkable journey.

Dr. Libaridian’s journey in public life began as the editor of “Asbarez” newspaper, where he displayed passion for promoting knowledge and awareness. Later, he edited the “Armenian Review” quarterly, which he transformed from an ideological tool into a scholarly and intellectual forum.

His commitment to understanding Armenian history and politics led him to co-found the Zoryan Institute that addressed, in addition to modern history, contemporary issues in Soviet Armenia and Diaspora, a vital institution in the study of Armenian political thought.

With a profound understanding of history, Dr. Libaridian holds a doctoral in history from the University of California, Los Angeles showcasing his expertise and dedication to his field.

His academic journey saw him teaching at prestigious institutions inclucing University of Pennsylvania, the Universituy of Massachusetts, and the Tufts and Rutgers Universities, where he shared his knowledge and inspired countless students.

Dr. Libaridin made a significant contribution to the foreign and security policies of Armenia, by serving as an adivisor to President Levon Ter Petrossian,  as First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Secretary of the National Security Council with the rank of Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Armenia. 

After his tenure in Armenia, he returned to academis as Alex Manougian Professor of Modern Armenian history at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. In addition to teaching he oversaw the expansion of the activities of the Armenian Studies Program, and continued to contribute to the scholarly world though his insightful articles and books.

Dr. Libaridian is the author of numerous books and articles published in English, Armenian French, German, Turkish, Arabic, Kurdish, and Russian, that continue to enrich our undunderstanding of history, policies and politics. His latest volume, “A Precarious Armenia,” he will present today, is expected to be translated other other languages as well, including Hindi. 

Ladies and genteleman, please join me in extending a warm welcome to Dr. Jirari Libaridian, a visionary scholar, and a leader in the exploration of Armenian history, political thought and identity”

Jirair’s presentation lasted an hour. Afterwards, there followed questions and answer period that also last ed another hour and was followed by a reception and further chat with Jirair. The event was well organized and well attended.

After the late afternoon event was over, the organizing committee met in a restaurant for a late evening social with Jirair. At their invitation, Marie and I also attended the Sunday evening social.  All in all, it turned out to be a memorable event. 

 

 

 

An accidental figure: Samvel Shahramanyan

Vahe H. Apelian

 

Samvel Shahramanyan’s name will go down in our history as the last president of the Republic of Artsakh although he was not popularly elected. The members of the Artsakh National Assembly voted him as the president having accepted, what they should not have, the resignation of the popularly elected president Arayik Harutyunyan. 

His election came about in the midst crisis Artsakh Armenians were facing due to the Azeri’s relentless blockade of the Nagorno-Karabagh Oblast/Artsakh during the preceding nine months. Some vocal pundits in the Diaspora, driven by their opposition to the Nikol Pachinyan government not only welcomed the change in the power structure of Artsakh, but also hoped that it would trickle down to Armenia and bring about change of governance there. The snowball should not melt, but should roll down to hill and roll over the power structure in Armenia, a pundit wrote in Hairenik weekly.

There were also many who regarded the sudden change of governance ominous. I was among them.

But my concerns dissipated after hearing Samvel Shahramyan’s inaugural speech, which I translated and posted in my blog headlining it: "From Arayik to Samvel: What changed?". In his inaugural speech, Samvel Shahramanyan came across sticking to his gun about the basic issues for a just resolution of the Artsakh conflict, namely  the opening the Lachin corridor,  the right for self-determination, resolving the status of Artsakh claiming that the 44 days Artsakh war had not resolved the status of Artsakh and stated: “Stepanakert should negotiate with Baku. Moreover, in this matter, both the Russian Federation and the collective West are ready to provide a platform and act as a mediator", which Azerbaijan is categorically against.

Hardly ten days passed from his presidential inaugural speech, hell broke loose over Artsakh and Samvel Shahramanyan went into history having signed the lock, stock and barrel capitulation of Artsakh.

Not only that, the Russian forces flew him and several of his “lieutenants” to their safety in Armenia, while  the rest of residents of Artsakh vacated their historic land they had inhabited  throughout recorded history through the only passage way made available for them by the Azeris, the Lachin corridor. The Azeris checked and recorded each and every person fleeing Artsakh, but also abducted those the Azeris  intended to.

Not even that, Samvel Shahramanyan left the fate of the elected officials in limbo.  Apparently, the capitulation he signed gave no special considerations for the Artsakh officials, the people of Artsakh had elected - save himself and his "lieutenant", but let the elected officials to the whims of the Azeris. It is no wonder the Azeris abducted and took as prisoners in Baku, the  former presidents of Artsakh residing in their homeland: Arkady Ghukasyan,  Arayik Harutyunyan, Bako Sahakyan, and acting president Tavit Ishkhanyan; along with a few of other officials: Davit Babayan - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Davit Manukyan –  deputy commander of the Artsakh Armed Forces, general Levon Mnatsakanyan – commander of the Defense Forces, Ruben Vardanyan – State Minister of Artsakh Republic.

The Republic of Artsakh technically exists as I blog and thus, Savmel Shahramany continues to be the President of Artsakh. He agreed for the Republic of Artsakh to be dissolved by January 1, 2024. That may be why  the Republic of Artsakh still maintains a tv station in Armenia where Samvel Shahramanyan preferred to sit for an interview.

I watched the interview. I have not come across any public figure of such stature who is so detached from the heart-wrenching state he officiated as Samvel Shahramanyan. He came across totally nonchalant, both in body posture, facial expression and verbiage. He seemed to be completely detached from the catastrophe that befell on the people he represented. You may watch his recorded interview. 

Samvel Shahramanyan is indeed an accidental figure especially for the times history had confined him. He seems to be oblivious of the responsibility he willingly accepted to carry as president of Artsakh and remains oblivious of the consequences of his short tenure.

Prior to his election, on May 2020, Presisent Arayik Harutyunyan had appointed Shahramanyan as Minister of Military Patriotic Upbringing, Youth, Sports and Tourism. I do not know what the ministry entailed but it does not seem to have a power ministry. 

In his inaugural speech, he hinted nothing about the impending Azeri threat. He did not forewarn the National Assembly of possible Azeri onslaught or blitzkrieg. Nothing he said in his inaugural speech hinted that Azeris might attack Artsakh soon and the leadership of Artsakh needed to prepare the hearts and minds of the people.. I do not believe that he was deliberately withholding information or misrepresenting the grave situation because of an ulterior motive. He simply is not a leader of such forth sightedness and caliper. (http://vhapelian.blogspot.com/2023/09/from-arayik-to-savel-what-changed.html)

Azeris seized the moment and attacked. They had an accidental leader in Artsakh who lacked understanding of the responsibility of the post he had accepted to carry on, nor the will to confront adversity.  Azeris had a leader in Artsakh who did not have what it takes to galvanize the people, and ended up creating panic. He was not the man to mobilize, inspire and lead Artaskh's standing army. 

His election was accidental and it indeed was the trigger for Azeri attack. It represented the opportune time to attack and attack they did. The rest is another tragic chapter of our history.

Pakine 60th Anniversary: - "60 names, 60 years" - 2 -

 In the Armenian literary world, “Yergou Khosk -Երկու խօսք», which literally means “two words”, is a common expression. It does what an “introduction” or a “preface” to a literary work is meant to do.  Attached is my abridged translation of the Pakine 60th anniversary’s special issue “Yergou Khosk|”, the editorial staff penned, reflecting on the special issue of the eminent literary magazine. Vahe H. Apelian

"In the history of our literature, especially in circumstances that do not bestow the backing of a state, sixty years is a long time for a literary periodical. Pakine’s 60 years coincides with an opportune period of that history, when our nation was budding again in the different conditions of the Middle East and the literary tradition was living the beautiful days of its flowering, which were characterized a little everywhere, especially in Beirut, by the appearance of numerous literary and social periodicals. Next to all of them, there also was a whole generation of writers established in Europe and America, and the literary output of young writers of Armenia, carried a banner of opposition to the  Soviet regime. 

Those who have followed the issues of Pakine closely, can attest that over the years, Pakine played a fundamental role bringing the Diaspora Armenian intellectuals together, and at the same time becoming a bridge between diaspora and homeland writers. During its 60-year history, Pakine has managed to fulfill the dream of the founding editorial staff, creating that wonderful forum where, from the established writers to the young promising talents, have been able to freely express their creative minds opening a new page in the diaspora literary history.

This jubilee volume, dedicated to the 60th anniversary of Pakine, does not purport to depict the full portrayal of the magazine, nor it  is prepared in accordance to the principles for compiling a literary garland. We have made the selection having the following slogan in mind: "60 years, 60 names". We brought together pieces that reflect different facets of the Diaspora identify and its development .

The selection process was interesting, in the sense that, the final accounting of the literature gathered over sixty years clearly indicates the mobility and multilingual existence of the diaspora. The change in of time and of place, also changes the border of what constitutes the Armenian identity.  A literary delimitation and demarcation take place placing thought within a new frame. 

The language is also the same. Probably it is for this reason that thought and language assume the roles of mirroring each other and reflecting each other.

This is selection that not only attempted to present a time period in our literature, but also attempted to stir the services it rendered to language, literature and identity, by combining past and present names to pave the road to the future."

*****

Բնագիրը՝

Մեր գրականութեան պատմութեան մէջ, մանաւանդ պետական նեցուկէ զուրկ միջավայրի մէջ լոյս տենող պարբերաթերթի մը, վաթսուն տարին երկար ժամանակ է։ Բագին-ի 60 տարին այդ պատմութեան բախտորոշ ժամանակահատուածի մը կը զուգադիպի, երբ մեր ժողովուրդը վերընծիւղած էր միջին արեւելեան տարբեր պայմաններու մէջ ու գրականութեան անդաստանը կ՚ապրէր իր ծաղկումի գեղեցիկ օրեր, որոնք կը յատկանշուէին քիչ մը ամէն տեղ, մանաւանդ Պէյրութի մէջ, գրական եւ հասարակական բազմաթիւ պարբերականներու երեւումով։ Այդ բոլորի կողքին կային նաեւ Եւրոպա եւ Ամերիկա հաստատուած գրագէտներու ամբողջ սերունդ մը եւ Հայաստանի երիտասարդ գրողներու արտադրանքը՝ խորհրդային կարգրու դէմ հակադրութեան դրոշակի արելելումով։

Անոնք որոնք մօտէն հետեւած են Բագինի թիւերուն, կրնան վկայել թէ տարիներու ընթացքին, անիկա սփիւռքահայ մտաւորականութիւնը համախմբելու հիմնարար դեր ունեցած է։ Միաժամանակ կարմուրջ մը հանդիսանալով սփիւռքի եւ հայրենի գրողներուն միջեւ։ Վաթսունամեայ իր երթի ընթացքին, իրբեւ հայերնով մտածող եւ ստեղծագործող մտքի հանդէս, Բագին յաջողած է իրականացնել հիմնադիր խմբագրական կազմի երազը, ստեղծելով այդ խանդավար բեմը, ուր վաւերական գրեղներէն սկսեալ մինչեւ երիտսարդ խոստումնալից ուժերը՝ բլորը կրցած են անկաշկանդ արտայայտել իրնց ստեղծագործական եռանդը եւ նոր էջ մը բանալ սփիւռքի գրական պատմութեան մէջ։

Բագինի վաթսունամեակին նուիրուած այս յոբելեանական հատորը չի յաւակնիր ամսագրի ամբողջական դիմագիծը տալու, ոչ ալ կազմուած է ծաղկաքաղի սկզբունքներու հիմամմբ։ Ընտրութիւնը կատարած ենք «60տարի, 60 անուն» բնաբանով, եւ ի մի բերած ենք գրութիւններ, որոնք իրենց արծարծած նիւթերով, հարցադրումներով, մտահոգութիւններով եւ լեզուամտածողութեամբ կը ներկայացնեն թէ՛ սփիւռքեան ինքնութեան զարազան երեսները եւ թէ՛ անոր զարգացումը։

Այս զտումի աշխատանքը հետաքրքրական էր այն իմաստով որ վաթսուն տարի մէկտեղուած գրականութեան հաշուեկղիռը յստակօրէն ցոյց կուտայ, որ սփիւռքի շարժունականութիւնը եւ բազմալեզու կացութիւնը ժամանակի եւ վայրի փոփոխութեան հետ կը շրջէ նաեւ հայկական ինքնութեան սահմանագիծերը, այդ ինքնութիւնը արտայայտող գրականութեանն ալ լոզունքէն եւ 

գաղափարախօսութիւնէն արձակելով եւ տեղադրելով զայն մտածումի շրջանակի մը մէջ։ 

նոյն է նաեւ լեզուի պարագային։ Հաւանաբար այս պատճառով է միտք եւ լեզու հայելացումի դեր կը կատարեն եւ զիրար կը ցոլացնեն

 Նոյնն է նաեւ լեզուի պարագան։ Հաւանաբար այս  պատճառով է, որ միտք եւ լեզու հայելացումի դեր կը կատարեն եւ զիրար ցոլացնեն։

Ընտրանի մը, ահաւասիկ, որ կը փորձէ ո՛չ միայ ժամանակահատուած մը ներկայցնել, այլ նաեւ արծարծել լեզուի, գրականութեան ու ինքնութեան մատուցած զարազան կարելիութիւնները մեր ապրած կեանքի երկայնքին, անցած ու ներկայ անուններու զուգորդումով՝ բաց ձգելու համար համբան դէպի ապաքան։ 

 

 

 

 

 

Pakine 60th Anniversary:: A voice from the Diaspora - 1 -

Vahe H. Apelian

 

“In the history of our literature, especially in circumstances that do not bestow the backing of a state, sixty years is a long time for a literary periodical. Pakine’s 60 years coincides with an opportune period of that history, when our nation was budding again in the different conditions of the Middle East and the literary tradition was living the beautiful days of its flowering which were characterized a little everywhere, especially in Beirut.” (Pakin 60^th anniversary issue).

Yesterday or the day before it, I received the special edition of the Pakine Armenian literary periodical. It seemed it was mailed from Beirut. This special edition of Pakine (which means alter), turns of to be a roster of pieces from 60 of those who have contributed to the eminent literary magazine during its 60 years of existence. Surely, the sixty writers who were selected to have a sample of their literary work placed in the 60^th anniversary commemorative edition of Pakine, were not all who contributed. I know that my cousin Ara Apelian MD, during his medical studies, contributed to the magazine regularly but for a brief period of time.  

The editors in their introduction - the customary “Two Words – Yergou khosk” - outlined the what were the considerations that drove them to select pieces from the sixty of the contributors to the Pakine. The earliest piece in the commemorative issue, appeared in in 1962, the latest in 2022. Consequently, almost all of the sixty years of Pakine’s existence is adequately presented to the readers. The selected pieces do not seem to have been included in a chronological order, or apparently in any order, other than maybe giving priority to the prominent well known established writers and regular contributors.

The editorial staff rightfully notes that it has no illusion to consider this special issue a bouquet of the Diaspora literature. The special issue is anthology of literary pieces published in Pakine during its sixty years of existence.  The editorial notes that the founding of Pakine periodical came about in an opportune time when the Armenian literature was budding again in foreign lands, such as in Middle East, America and in Europe, but especially in Beirut. Along with  Pakine there were other literary magazines as well in Beirut, such as Antranig Zarougian’s “Nairi”weekly, Simon Simonian’s “Spurk”Weekly, “Chanasser” of the Armenian Evangelical community and for a few years “Ahegan”, an independent literary periodical for an  avant-garde, if I may say so, community of writers. “Pakine” and “Chanasser” have endured, the rest have not.

Pakine, for me, distinguishes itself by its hallmark as the eminent forum of Armenian lettered literature. There was a time when I regarded Pakine as THE eminent voice of Diaspora Armenian literature. Pakine now is a voice of the Diaspora Armenian literature. During the last few decades non-Armenian scripted, mostly Latin lettered Armenian literature, has colored the Armenian Diaspora literature. That trend will continue. With language, inevitably different mindsets come about. It is undisputed that language influences thinking, norms and values. After the second world war, the young and upcoming Japanese seemed to espouse western social values when responding to an English language questionnaire. But a statistically similar group of young Japanese seemed to uphold to traditional Japanese socially conservative leaning norms, when they were similarly tested to the same questionnaires in Japanese. 

Recently, I read a remarkable and uniquely readable book titled “We Are All Armenian – Voices from the Diaspora”. The book presented literary pieces of eighteen Armenian American authors whose native language of expression is English. The book is ably edited by Aram Mrjoian, who claims, “My name, yes, is Armenian. My heritage, yes, is Armenian, But I don’t speak the language. I don’t attend the church. I’ve never spent much time in Armenian communities. I’ve never traveled back to the land of my ancestors.  I am still constantly learning the basics of diasporan Armenian culture, feeling simultaneously distant from and near to this part of who I am.” But Aram Mrjoian edited one of the most captivating books I am reading.

Reading about the authors I also came to learn of an “International Armenian Literary Alliance” (IALA) that “supports and celebrates writers by fostering the development and distribution of Armenian literature in the English language.”

The visualization of the Armenian literature naturally is not what it was when Pakine was founded in 1962. One of its founders Yetvart Boyadjian was our Armenian language teacher in Sourp Nshan Armenian school during the years I attended it. I have no recollection of having any other Armenian language teacher up to my graduation in 1962, the year Pakine was founded.

Life goes on, Diaspora evolves, so does the Armenian literature. Pakine may continue to remain steadfast on its mission as the premier Armenian lettered literary magazine perpetuating the vision of its founders. It may continue to be the forum where the young and upcoming Armenian Diaspora writers, aspiring to make inroad in Diaspora Armenian lettered literature, would look forward having their literary work published in Pakine, for charting their course in Armenian literature.