Armenian Assembly of America - Press Center - NR# 1997-57: "Armenian Assembly Press Release
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Mission '97 Has a Dramatic Impact on Diaspora Armenian
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 1997
Web: www.aaainc.org CONTACT: Hrant Jamgochian
Phone: (202) 393-3434
E-mail: info@aaainc.org
The dramatic changes Jim Renjilian saw on his first visit to his historic homeland Armenia left him astonished and a "changed man." "I knew Armenia has numerous economic problems, yet everyone I met was a strong testament to the Armenian spirit and the will to survive. After being there and seeing the country first-hand, I cannot help but be optimistic about Armenia's future" said Renjilian, a long-time board member and former government affairs chairman of the Armenian Assembly of America. Renjilian is a Maryland native, who was a member of the Assembly's Mission '97. Over 100 participants made the 10-day visit, the largest by the Assembly to date.
The most striking contradiction in Renjilian's mind was the visit to a small school in Gumri. The school was built from metal shipping containers, heating and electricity are sporadic. "The children were so bright, beautiful and articulate. They sang songs for us and recited poetry in Armenian. But, one couldn't help but be horrified by the school's primitive conditions," stated Renjilian.
Renjilian was also deeply touched by his visit to the Genocide Monument and Museum. "The pain of remembering the tragedy of 1915 was great. The visit to the museum was even more emotional as I saw the horrific pictures of what the Turkish government attempted to do to my people," said Renjilian. "Yet, I was so inspired by what the monument symbolized, the triumph of the Armenian spirit and people."
Another of Renjilian's lasting memories was the sight of hundreds of construction cranes scattered throughout Armenia-most of them at a standstill. "No matter where we went, these cranes appeared to be in abundance. Yet, none of them were ever in operation," said Renjilian. He was disheartened by the number of buildings that stood unfinished and at the same time the thousands of people who are unemployed.
The highlight of the trip for Renjilian, and for many mission participants, was the visit to Etchmiadzin, the birthplace of the Armenian Church. "Even as a Protestant, I couldn't help but be moved by the 1,700 years of history speaking to me from the stones of Etchmiadzin," said Renjilian. Vehapar Karekin I Catholicos of all Armenians held a special luncheon for the group during their visit. The Vehapar thanked the Armenian Assembly for organizing such a pilgrimage to the homeland. The Archbishop of Shushi Barkev Martirosian also addressed the group and expressed his excitement at their presence during Armenia's "second baptism," as Communist suppression of religion is no longer an obstacle which was even more evident in Nagorno Karabagh under Azeri rule.
The Armenia '97 mission also took part in the Yerevan ceremonies commemorating the sixth anniversary of Armenia's independence. Mission members attended the President's reception for government officials and foreign dignitaries and later viewed a musical extravaganza and fireworks display in Yerevan's Republic Square. The group also met with several government officials including outgoing Senior Presidential Advisor Jirair Libaridian, President Levon Ter-Petrossian and Prime Minister Robert Kocharian.
The Armenian Assembly of America is a nationwide nonprofit organization which promotes public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues."
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