On the morning of Saturday, April 13, a group gathered for the raising of the Armenian flag at Salem Town Hall. You can view the video recap of the event here.

The ceremony started with a few words from Garo Karibian and an invocation from Pastor Ara Heghinian. During the ceremony, several speakers discussed the impact of the historical event.

As a part of the ceremony, Salem Town Council Vice Chair D.J. Bettencourt read a proclamation on behalf of the Town Council in acknowledgement of the flag raising ceremony and Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day on April 24.

The wording of the proclamation is below.

WHEREAS, Armenians fled increasing oppression from the Ottoman government during the 20th century, coming to America in search of freedom, where they could live in dignity without fear and oppression; and

WHEREAS, like many ethnic groups, Armenians settled in Salem, New Hampshire seeking a safe place to live, raise their families, practice their religion, and educate their children. They became an asset to the growth and vitality of the Town of Salem through their strong work ethic, family values, and civic pride; and

WHEREAS, the Armenian Community of Salem, New Hampshire is comprised of the children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren of survivors of the Armenian Genocide; and

WHEREAS, 1.5 million Armenian men, women and children (victims of genocide) perished in the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to 1923;

NOW, THEREFORE, the Salem, New Hampshire Town Council does hereby issue this Proclamation in remembrance of the Armenian Genocide of 1915 and urge all residents to take part in this observance.

If you would like to view the video recap of the event, please click here.