Rhode Island
ANC-RI flag raisings return to the Ocean State
NORTH PROVIDENCE and CRANSTON, RI—The Armenian Nationwide Committee of Rhode Island’s (ANC-RI) annual flag elevating ceremonies returned after a two-year hiatus on Friday in North Windfall and Cranston. All three church buildings have been represented by members of their clergy: Rev. Father Kapriel Nazarian of Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church, Reverend Hagop Manjelikian of the Armenian Evangelical Church and Rev. Father Shnork Souin and Deacon Alex of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church.
Notably, a number of elected officers have been current together with Governor Dan McKee (N. Prov.), Lt. Governor Sabina Matos (Cranston), Treasurer Seth Magaziner (Cranston), Legal professional Normal Peter Neronha (N. Prov. and Cranston), North Windfall Mayor Charles Lombardi, Cranston Mayor Kenneth Hopkins, State Consultant Katherine Kazarian (Cranston), State Consultant Barbara Ann Fenton Fung (Cranston), Smithfield Council Chair David Tikoian (N. Prov. and Cranston) and a variety of different council, division heads and college committee members from these two municipalities. US Senator Jack Reed was represented in North Windfall by Vinny Venticinque and in Cranston by Erin Arcand.
The ANC-RI acknowledged three people who’ve introduced honor and satisfaction to the neighborhood as Armenian People: Margaret Danielian (posthumously), Leonard Arzoomanian and Harry Kushigian. All honorees exemplified humility and gratitude whereas remembering their Genocide survivors. Kushigian recalled being approached by a reporter a long time in the past; he was requested why the neighborhood got here collectively annually in April. “We wish the world to know what occurred, and hopefully it’s going to stop different happenings of the identical sort,” was his poignant response.
Flag elevating occasions have been held in these two municipalities for over 20 years. Subsequent yr, the ANC-RI plans to convey the town of East Windfall again into the rotation.
Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Windfall “Varantian” Chapter member and Homenetmen scout Taleen Donoyan sang each the USA and Armenian nationwide anthems in Cranston because the Homenetmen Scouts stood as honor guards of the flag.
Inspirational phrases of dedication to recollect the Armenian Genocide and stay steadfast in assist of the Armenian individuals and nation have been delivered by Laurel Breault of the Armenian Evangelical Youth Fellowship and Garo Tarpinian and Davit Khachatryan of the Windfall AYF and Homenetmen chapters.
Steve Elmasian and George Mangalo, co-chairmen of the ANC-RI, delivered messages on behalf of the committee. AYF member Alexan Topalian served because the grasp of ceremonies in Cranston.
The ANC-RI is grateful for the generosity of Sonia’s Deli in offering refreshments following the Cranston occasion.
The Armenian flag was flying all through the state of Rhode Island this weekend, from the State Home to nearly all the 39 metropolis and city halls.
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