Armenian Heritage Park celebrates contributions of immigrants through remembrance and symbolism

BOSTON – On May 22, 2012, a ceremony was held on the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway in honor of the victims of the Armenian Genocide.  During the ceremony, the Armenian Heritage Park was dedicated to honor the 1.5 million Armenians who lost their lives during the Armenian Genocide and all genocides that have followed. 

The park consists of two main sections.  The Abstract Sculpture is a split dodecahedron that is perched on a reflecting pool.  This sculpture represents the varied experiences of immigrants to Massachusetts and to the United States. 
The following inscription appears below the Abstract Sculpture: “Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have offered hope and refuge for immigrants seeking to begin new lives.  This park is a gift to the people of the Commonwealth and the City of Boston from the Armenian-American community of Massachusetts.  This sculpture is offered in honor of the one and one half million victims of the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923.  May it stand in remembrance of all genocides that have followed and celebrate the diversity of the communities that have re-formed in the safety of these shores.”
The other key feature of the Armenian Heritage Park is the Labyrinth – which is formed in a paved granite circular path.  The words Art, Commerce, Science, and Service are etched into the granite.  These words reflect the different types of contributions that immigrants have had on American life and culture. 
The Armenian Genocide is considered to be one of the first modern genocides in human history.  During World War I an estimated 1.5 million Armenians died under the control of the Turkish government.  According to the Armenian National Institute of Washington, D.C. on April 24, 1915, the Turkish government arrested over 200 Armenian community leaders and intellectuals in the Ottoman capital of Constantinople.  This incident was the start of the Armenian Genocide.  Armenian women and men, young and old, were systematically subjected to abduction, deportation, expropriation, massacres, physical abuse, starvation, and torture.  From 1915 to 1923 the Turkish government forced a large portion of the Armenian population from Armenia and Anatolia to Syria. 
The Armenian Heritage Park represents the sacrifice and perseverance of generations of immigrants that have come to Boston and have contributed to the greatness of Massachusetts and America.  The park reminds future generations about the importance of standing up against rogue governments that seek to control and destroy people.  The courage of the victims of the Armenian Genocide of 1915 to 1923 should not be forgotten.  This memorial will help ensure that future genocides can be prevented.
The Abstract Sculpture at the Armenian Heritage Park in Boston.

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