It was a bright and sunny day in Long Branch, NJ on April 24, but the April winds were still whipping their cold whips, trying not to allow us to forget the past winter. Nevertheless, neither the cold nor the wind could discourage Armenians and Americans alike from flocking to St. Stepanos Armenian Church beyond its normal capacity, with the hope to be part of a historical commemoration day of the hundredth anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The pain and sorrow of the memories were mixed with an unexplainable excitement and expectation of unusual fellowship on that special day. It felt as if never before had the Armenian and the American flags waved so fervently, yet so humbly, both lowered half way to show the solidarity in sorrow and mourning.
The “Mer Hayrenik” sounded much more victorious that day. Children where shivering from the cold wind, but were singing out every note with pride. Guest political figures expressed their full support of the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. In particular, Mary Pat Angeliny presented the Joint Resolution of the NJ State Legislators, signed by Senator Stephen Sweeney, President of the New Jersey Senate, and Assemblyman Vincent Prieto.
The resolution commended the Armenian Community for honoring the memories of those killed during the Armenian genocide. Congressman Frank Pallone was represented by his brother John Pallone, member of Long Branch City Council, since he was in Armenia at that time to honor the memory of the martyrs of the Genocide. Congressman Chris Smith’s letter was read by Mr. Glen Dalakian in which he expressed strong condemnation and the importance of the recognition of the Armenian Genocide for Armenians, as well as the rest of the humanity.
The rest of the event was continued in the sanctuary of the church where Mr. Harutune Misserlian presented a very informative lecture in the form of a Power Point presentation titled “Our 100th April 24” followed by Father Daniel leading the people in the service of the prayer of the Holy Martyrs of the Genocide.
Soon the solemn remembrance of the martyrs was replaced with a plethora of beautiful performances of musicians, poem recitals, and songs started by the children’s chorus singing “Msho Gorani”. Armenian national melodies and songs, along with the works of the composers of other nations, adorned the celebration of the lives of the Armenian martyrs sending one message to the world. This message is what I have summarized as master of ceremonies in my closing words to our friends and guests:

“Turk Askiars plotted to cut down the tree of life of the Armenians, but they soon found out that a tree that was planted and blessed by God is not possible to be cut by men. And that plot turned into pruning instead, making the tree of our nation stronger and more resilient with abundant fruit. Even the woodchips that flew off from that hacking were carried by the winds and the rivers all over the world, and in every country where they touched fertile ground they have blossomed again and brought forth bountiful blessings for themselves as well as their host country”.

I would like to use this opportunity to extend my humble appreciation to the USA as well as all those countries of the world that embraced the Sons and Daughters of Armenia in the days of trials and sorrow as well as the days of peace and prosperity.
“The clouds of the foe will come and will go
But the mount of the Armenians
Will be standing I know.”
We would like to extend our great appreciation to Father Daniel Karajian, Yeretskin Mariam Karajian, the Parish Council, Arsen Hovsepyan, Armen Orbelyan and St. Stepanos WG for sparing no efforts to make this event happen. Thank you for maintaining this beautiful home called St. Stepanos Armenian Church, where Armenian language and history is taught, Armenian songs are sung, and Armenian prayers are uttered unto God.
Thank you very much.
Armen Orbelyan