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“Asbarez.” It
means “career” in the Armenian language, but to
Armenian-Americans, it means so much more. For one hundred and
one years, Asbarez has served our community unlike any other
outlet of media information. A fountain of knowledge and
understanding, this newspaper, though “old,” continues to flow
as a fountain of youth.
To celebrate
the extraordinary life of such a newspaper, a banquet was held
in its honor and to all those that make up its large family on
Sunday, October 11, 2009, in Montebello, California. The banquet
brought the community together in a time of uncertainty and
doubt to pay homage to a newspaper which has always cast light
on that which was never always so bright.
At Baghramian
Hall, Asbarez staff members, contributors, benefactors, readers,
followers, and community leaders, members, and guests, joined to
celebrate over 100 years of service to the community. Following
an hour-long cocktail hour where guests mingled, the night was
under way. After introductions and invocations, master of
ceremonies for the evening Manoug Seraidarian welcomed all to
the event.
Dinner was
served, and while guests enjoyed their meals, a video
presentation featuring the long and exciting life of Asbarez
produced by Viken Haboyan was played for all to view. The video
chronicled the Asbarez’s history, accomplishments, and rich
heritage.
Mr. Sako
Mardirossian was awarded the “Friend of Asbarez” award by
Varoujian Koundakjian. Mardirossian, who has contributed large
sums in the past to the Asbarez, modestly accepted the award and
thanked all who recognized him.
Following the
cutting of the Asbarez’s birthday cake, which guests later
enjoyed as dessert, they were also treated by a lovely
performance by the Hamazkayin “Ani” Dance Troupe: Suzy
Parseghian Tarpinian and Yeghia Hasholian. “Culture has played a
major part of the newspaper, and nothing is more joyous perhaps,
than our dance,” said Seraidarian. The evening also featured
Armenian musical performances as well.
The keynote address of the evening was delivered by Nazareth
Berberian, followed by a musical performance by Knarig
Nergararian in song and by Armine Nergararian on the violin.
Asbarez’s
former editor Kristapor Pakradouni and the late Vahig Gourian
were recognized during the event by Neshan Peroomian and Dr.
Onnig Keshshian.
Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian delivered the Prelate's messaged, and the
evening concluded with closing remarks by Asabrez’s English
editor Ara Khachatourian and Armenian editor Apo Boghikian.
Asbarez
Newspaper began publication in August 1908 in Fresno as a
weekly. Since then it has moved to Los Angeles, become a
bilingual daily paper, and is now the official publication of
the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western United States
Central Committee.
“Though we may
not know what the future holds for us, we know what we must do.”
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