GLENDALE—On Tuesday, March 24, 100 flowers were planted by our 8th grade graduates, as well as the youngest group of students, our first graders, in remembrance of the 1.5 million Armenians who lost their lives 100 years ago during the Armenian Genocide. The planting of these flowers also signify the students honoring the past, embracing of the present and planting the seeds for the future.
Following the flower planting, students gathered in the auditorium for an assembly, as part of the school’s monthly Armenian Genocide Centennial Remembrance Activities, which take place on or around the 24th of each month. This month in addition to planting 100 flowers, a Genocide Survivor, Madeleine Salibian, was going to speak to the students. Unfortunately she was unable to attend, but the students still recited the biography of the 100-year-old Armenian Genocide survivor. Salibian, born in Aintab, now known as Gaziantep, Turkey, was only a few months old when her father’s Turkish friend ushered her family to safety by giving them his donkeys to escape. The family traveled on the donkeys until they reached Syria, settling in a rural village, and eventually, Aleppo.
Following the very touching recitation, representatives from the LA2DC campaign were present to educate our students about the amazing campaign supported by Americans of all backgrounds and faiths and Armenian-Americans who feel that genocides beget genocides, and that it was time to stop genocide as a war tactic. On the centennial anniversary of the first genocide of the 20th century, the Armenian Genocide, LA2DC demands recognition and prevention of such tragic atrocities committed against human kind and promotes a heightened sensitivity to genocide, insisting that world leaders take a stand to stop them now. Students were encouraged to register themselves on the LA2DC website, to stay informed, to follow LA2DC on social media and to join the #screamforjustice campaign.
Chamlian students continue to be informed and empowered to make the difference! Chamlian students, parents, faculty and staff will proudly participate in the March for Justice on April 24.