BY RAFFI BOGHOSSIAN
Visiting Armenia for the first time during my Rose and Alex Pilibos Senior class trip was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream—one that had been nurtured through years of anticipation and shared conversations among my classmates. Attending Armenian schools since childhood, we often imagined what it would feel like to finally set foot in the homeland we had learned so much about.
Accompanied by seven dedicated teachers and administrators, we embarked on our long-awaited pilgrimage on September 14th, immersing ourselves in the heart of Armenia for 12 unforgettable days. During this journey, we delved into the rich history, culture, and landscapes of our homeland, exploring its ancient landmarks, learning its stories, and experiencing its vibrant spirit firsthand. Each day offered a new layer of discovery, deepening our connection to the land and the legacy we had heard about for so long.
From the instant we landed, I was enveloped by a profound sense of belonging. The air, the land, the people—it all felt deeply familiar, as though I was reconnecting with a part of myself. Sharing this pivotal experience with the friends who had shaped my upbringing only deepened its significance. This was more than a class trip; it was a pilgrimage that awakened emotions I hadn’t anticipated, stirring something deep within us all.
One of the most profound and emotional experiences of our journey was visiting the family of Levon, a 19-year-old soldier who lost his life in the 2020 Artsakh war. In their home in Dilijan, we met his mother and older brother, who welcomed us into the space Levon once called home. As they recounted stories of his courage and ultimate sacrifice, we were deeply moved by their strength and resilience. Though we were far removed from the daily hardships they endure, in that moment, I felt the immense weight of the struggles faced by our people in Armenia. Their words were a poignant reminder that, as members of the diaspora, we bear the responsibility to support and uplift our homeland. That encounter left a lasting mark on my heart—one that will remain with me forever.
Standing at Tsitsernakaberd, the Armenian Genocide Memorial, was yet another profound and emotional moment. For years, I had drawn this monument in my Armenian and art classes, but being there in person, surrounded by my classmates who shared those same lessons, felt like time had come full circle. It was as if all those years of learning about our history had led to this one sacred moment. Seeing the monument with my own eyes, touching the stones that embody both loss and survival, was overwhelming. The spirits of our ancestors seemed to be present, reminding us of the resilience that has defined us for generations.
At the center of the memorial burns an eternal flame, a symbol of the Armenian people’s enduring strength. This undying fire represents the unity of Armenians worldwide, bound by an unbreakable connection despite being scattered across the globe. It stands as a testament to our resilience, our survival, and our unwavering commitment to our homeland in the face of immense tragedy. The flame serves as a powerful reminder that we continue to persevere, to fight, and to rebuild—generation after generation.
William Saroyan captured this spirit in his timeless words: “I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia. See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” Saroyan’s words resonate deeply, reminding us that no matter how much we have endured, Armenians will always rebuild, always rise. Whether we are in Armenia or the diaspora, our collective spirit ensures that Armenia will live on through us.
This trip was more than just a journey; it was a wake-up call. I came to Armenia expecting to make memories, but I left with a sense of responsibility. My generation cannot afford to feel helpless or defeated. We owe it to Levon, to every soul who has made the ultimate sacrifice, and to future generations who will one day call Armenia and Artsakh home, to continue fighting with unwavering determination. I refuse to accept a future in which Armenian children do not run and laugh freely through the streets of Artsakh. No matter how long it takes– one generation or many– I have complete faith that Artsakh will once again belong to its rightful owners.
This is the burden we carry, but it is also our privilege. Just as our ancestors nurtured the dream of a free Armenia, it is now our duty to carry forward the hope for a prosperous and thriving future. Our time is now, and our duty is clear: to stand by our homeland, to give back, and to ensure that the spirit of Armenia endures through every challenge.
Raffi Boghossian is a senior at Rose & Alex Pilibos Armenian School.
