AYF Australia Commemorates Armenian Genocide
The Armenian Youth Federation of Australia (AYF Australia), on 24 April, paid their respects to the 1.5million Armenians slaughtered during the Armenian Genocide, and the fallen Anzacs of 1915, by laying a wreath at the Unknown Soldier monument in Martin Place, Sydney.
The wreath-laying followed an emotional Candlelight Memorial Walk by members of AYF Australia, who expressed by their gathering that the memory of their murdered forefathers lives on, 93 years since the tragedies in Turkey.
The event was also one of sadness, as the members of AYF Australia indicated the failure of Turkey’s government to recognize the Genocide committed by their predecessors was a cause of great sorrow, with many of their ancestors directly affected by the tragedy.
Following Martin Place, the AYF Australia members attended the Annual NSW State Parliament House commemoration evening, which is headlined by a wreath laying and community prayer before the Khatchkar Monument in the Parliament’s Peace Garden.
AYF Australia members, with candles in hand, stood in vigil upon the community’s entry into the Peace Garden. Tro-Mher Tufenkjian and Garine Kaprielian, both members of AYF Australia, then laid a wreath beside the historical Khatchkar.
Following the wreath laying, AYF members attended the Annual Armenian Genocide Parliamentary Lecture at the Theatrette. It featured an address by internationally renowned New York Times Bestselling author, Professor Peter Balakian. Troy Abolakian, of AYF Australia was the Master of Ceremonies.
