April 23, 2008
Contact: Sue Baker
For Immediate Release
738-2000
Flag outside City Hall to commemorate Armenian Martyrs’ Day
Mayor Avedisian will also participate in events in other communities this week
WARWICK – Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that the Armenian flag will fly at City Hall tomorrow, in recognition of Armenian Martyrs’ Day.
Armenian Martyrs’ Day pays homage to the approximately 1.5 million Armenians who lost their lives at the hands of the Turks between 1915 and 1923. April 24, 1915 marked the start of the “Final Solution” – the Turkish plan to slaughter the Armenians. Fearing political repercussions, world powers stood by and watched the genocide, which nearly exterminated the entire nationality, Avedisian said.
“To this day, the Turkish government has not acknowledged that the genocide ever occurred,” Avedisian said. “Armenian Martyrs Day is recognized by many as a way to remember the past and to bring dignity to the Armenian martyrs and pray for their repose.”
Avedisian will also be participating in Armenian flag raising ceremonies today at Cranston City Hall and tomorrow at North Providence Town Hall. He is scheduled to attend the Armenian Martyrs’ Day ceremony at the North Burial Ground in Providence on Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
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