On 4 March, within the framework of the “Armenian Odyssey: The Color of Pomegranate” festival, an unprecedented concert dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Armenian-American diplomatic relations took place at the National Cathedral in Washington. The concert was organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in the USA in cooperation with the PostClassical Ensemble.
The guest of honor at the concert was Anna Hakobyan, wife of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia. Members of the US Congress, high-ranking representatives of the administration, ambassadors accredited in Washington, heads of church dioceses, benefactors, and representatives of Armenian-American organizations, parties and the community were present.
The concert began with “Dle Yaman,” performed incomparably by the renowned duduk player Jivan Gasparyan.
In his opening remarks, the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the USA, Varuzhan Nersesyan, particularly emphasized the choice of venue for the event, noting that the remains of US President Woodrow Wilson are interred there. The Ambassador noted that President Wilson established the first examples of citizens’ rights and introduced the principles of self-determination and equality of nations. It is no coincidence that President Wilson’s humanitarian work paved the way, a century later, for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. The Ambassador expressed gratitude to the congressmen present and their colleagues who voted in favor of the Armenian Genocide recognition resolutions in the House of Representatives and the Senate. “This was a tribute of respect not only to the Armenian martyrs, but also to the memory of all those American figures who exerted efforts for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide,” the Ambassador stated.
A century later, it was the deep feeling of gratitude of the Armenian people that inspired the survivors of the Genocide to create the “Aurora” humanitarian initiative. Varuzhan Nersesyan added that one of the founders of the “Aurora” Prize, Noubar Afeyan, is also one of the co-chairs and sponsors of the Armenian festival and concert taking place in Washington.
Speaking about the velvet, non-violent revolution, Ambassador Nersesyan stated that Armenia’s democratic progress served as a new impetus for the deepening and strengthening of Armenian-American relations.
The floor was then given to Marie Royce, US Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs. In her speech, she addressed Armenian-American diplomatic relations, noting that culture has its own special role within that framework. Mrs. Royce also emphasized the level of cooperation existing in the scientific and educational fields.
