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Heroes and Healers: Stories of Courage and
Altruism in Times of Genocide The Armenian American Medical Society (AAMS) celebrated Heroes and Healers:
Stories of Courage and Altruism in Times of Genocide, in commemoration of the
centennial of the Armenian Genocide and the 70th anniversary of the liberation
of Auschwitz. The event honored medical professionals and others who embody
the spirit of humanitarianism, looking past ethnic and religious differences to
save lives and champion the plight of the victims of these and other atrocities of
the 20th and 21st century. Those honored posthumously
were Floyd Smith, MD. Armin T.
Wegner, and Clarence Ussher,
MD, who displayed heroism
during the Armenian Genocide;
and Ara Jeretzian and Harutyun
Khachatryan, MD, honored for
their acts of bravery during
Holocaust. Family members of
each honoree were present to
accept awards on their behalf. In
addition, Sabrina Avakian was honored for her work promoting human rights
across the globe, currently serving on a UN peacekeeping mission in the Central
African Republic. "In remembrance of the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, we chose to
honor these individuals because of the selflessness and courage they displayed
in the face of evil," said Vicken Sepillian, MD, AAMS member and co-event
planner. "The evening was a celebration of their humanity and a solemn
reminder that the atrocities of genocide still exist today and cannot be ignored
or forgotten. SEE PHOTOS
The event kicked off Friday, April 10, 2015, with
a special reception hosted by the Consulate of
the Republic of Armenia, where the guests of
honor and AAMS committee members were
welcomed by Deputy Consul General Valery
Mkrtoumian.
"I would like to thank the family members of the honorees who attended the
event," said Evelyn Baghdasraian Barkhoudarian, AAMS board member who served
as emcee for the event, as well as event co-planner. "Many of them traveled a
great distance so they could share the stories of their ancestors with us-stories
that left those in attendance humbled and inspired." The main event took place Saturday, April 11, 2015, with a celebration held at the
Glendale Civic Auditorium. More than 300 people gathered for this very special
occasion. Family members of the honorees spoke eloquently and movingly of the
feats of their relatives, sharing personal remembrances and providing unique
insights into their experiences. These stories were all the more poignant, thanks
to accompanying multimedia presentations featuring photos, video and interviews
of the honorees. "To hear the remarkable stories of these heroes from the perspective of their
family members gave us deeper understanding of the enormity of their deeds and
sacrifices." said Raffi Tachdjian, MD, MPH, AAMS board member and event coplanner. "They reminded us that the ability to affect change, great or small, is
within each and everyone of us and that we all share in the responsibility to help
make a difference in the world." Fr. Vazken Movsesian, parish priest of the St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale,
California, was the evening's keynote speaker. Fr. Movsesian, who works with the
victims of genocide worldwide, began the ceremonies with a message about the
transformative power of love in changing victims to victors. The evening's program
also included stirring musical and dance performances, including several songs
performed by famed Armenian singer Anna Khachatryan, granddaughter of
honoree, Dr. Khachatryan. During a cocktail reception, attendees had the
opportunity to speak with the family members of the honorees. In addition, the event featured Camp Darfur, an interactive awareness and
educational event that brings attention to the ongoing genocide in Darfur, Sudan,
and gives individuals the opportunity to discover their ability and power to make a
difference. This traveling refugee camp raises awareness and examines Sudan's
Darfur region and its humanitarian crisis - genocide - by placing it in an historical
context with Armenia, the Holocaust, Cambodia, and Rwanda.
"The committee members who planned this event did a tremendous job," said
Serineh Melidonian, MD, AAMS president. "Each aspect of the program was
thoughtful and lent perspective and meaning to the celebration. We couldn't have
asked for a better or more memorable evening." WATCH VIDEO
The AAMS, with more than 500 members, is the largest Armenian medical
society in the Diaspora. Our directory of health practitioners is a vital resource
for patients seeking care in various health-related disciplines and specialties.
Our mission is to cultivate and develop professional, social, and collegial
relations amongst our members and contribute towards the improvement of
health services rendered to the Armenian community in the Diaspora and
Armenia. We achieve this by offering community health education, humanitarian
assistance, medical services and outreach, as well as providing professional
development and networking opportunities for our health practitioners.