Commemoration of Armenian Genocide and Artsakh Struggle Draws Hundreds in Vancouver

On a solemn Sunday afternoon, April 21, 2024, over 250 members and friends of the Armenian community gathered at Mountain View Armenian Genocide Monument site.

to mark the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Organized by the United Armenian Committee of BC, the event served as a stark reminder of the atrocities committed against the Armenian people. The commemoration began with a prayer at the Armenian Genocide Monument, led by Very Rev. Father Karekin Shekehrdemian and Archpriest Reverend Father Keghart Grabadian. This set a somber tone as attendees paid homage to the 1.5 million lives lost during the genocide.

After the prayers, the event moved to the celebration hall adjacent the A.G. Monument, where anthems of Canada and Armenia resonated, performed by students from Sourp Nerses Shnorhali and ARS Araz Schools. The atmosphere was both solemn and stirring, with a touching performance of “Kele-Kele” by the talented young girl, Mané Kokhlikyan.

During the ceremony, MC Garen Attarmigirian introduced dignitaries, including B.C . Health Minister Honourable Adrian Dix and Canadian MP’s Terry Beech and Marc Dalton who paid their respects by laying flowers at the monument. They reaffirmed their solidarity with the Armenian community and stressed the importance of preventing such atrocities from happening again.

The highlight of the day was the keynote address by Kate Tairyan, MD MPH, Professor at Simon Fraser University. With unwavering conviction, Tairyan highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by the Armenian people, particularly focusing on the indigenous people of Artsakh. She emphasized the disturbing parallel between the current situation and the atrocities committed 109 years ago.

Tairyan’s powerful message struck a chord with attendees, calling for urgent action from the international community to address the continuing injustices faced by Armenians.

In conclusion, the commemoration served as a poignant reminder of the enduring pain of the Armenian genocide and the urgent need for justice and recognition. As the community stood united in remembrance, their voices echoed a resounding call for peace, justice, and the preservation of humanity’s collective memory.