Being Armenian

Such a common question, where you are from?- asked every time people hear my accent. And I say I am from Armenia. And when I see the confused look in the eyes and I can "hear them thinking", I start explaining what it means being Armenian. If people have religious background, then I tell them that it is place where according to the legend Noah's Arc had landed on the mountain of Ararat in the land of Armenia. If people are into history, then I explain to them about Roman Empire and Persian wars and how Armenia was always on the maps and part of the biggest empires in the world sometimes split between two at the same time until we finally decided to come up with our own religion and language to preserve the nation and culture to move through the centuries as one of the most ancient countries in the world. If people are into sports, then I remind them about one of the greatest tennis players in the world: Andre Agassi and tell them that he is Armenian, or hundreds athletes from USSR who shined on Olympic and World Stages. If people like music then I bring up Sher and Aznavur or Khachatrian if classical music is what moves them in life. If sensitive topics spark their brains and they are into controversial discussions then I tell them that the famous Doctor Death- Kevorkian was also Armenian. And if nothing else works, then I know that reality shows and yellow press scandals have mentioned enough of Kardashyan sisters, for people to know that they are also Armenians. The list can go on... But in reality through out the years through good, bad and ugly I think it is always important to remember that Armenians have changed in last 100 years! Because no matter where we went and what we had achieved, 100 years ago history of our people was painted in red.... Armenian Genocide- so much was said about it and so many deniers are still out there and political games and money still control consciousness of countries in power who could not acknowledge the tragedy that took lives of 2 000 000 people because of cowards, politics, interests and whatever it is that stops civilized world from acknowledging one of the biggest crimes in the world. Justice will be served one day, of that I am sure... but today being Armenian means taking a moment to remember 1915.... Remembering when evil empire decided to turn against their own citizens and kill bloodily innocent women, children, men and elderly.... Slaughter, Starvation and Hate; hate that carried through the years and until it is acknowledged and memories of victims are respected by all and not only a few with consciousness, this hate will carry on through the years.... I hope one day I will see Turkey taking responsibility for their actions and millions of people killed getting their justice. Until then, all we have are memories of those taken away from us almost 100 years ago. No matter where you are and who you are, being Armenian on this April day means pausing for a minute of silence, lighting a candle and saying loud and clear that they are not forgotten and that the fight continues... no matter where we are, what we have achieved and who we have become... until then Rest In Peace