On 26 May 2015, the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society, in cooperation with the RA Ministry of Diaspora, launched series of events in Armenia dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Uruguay "Radio Gomidas".
The group consisting of 50 people arrived in the morning from Uruguay took part in the tree planting in the "Diaspora Garden" of Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex. The guests laid flowers at the Eternal Flame and paid tribute to the innocent victims of the Genocide.
Uruguay has been the first country to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide in Turkey in 1965, declaring April 24 a "Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Martyrs". One of the central squares of Montevideo was renamed "Armenia" in 1971, and, a monument dedicated to the victims of the genocide was erected. Many other squares and streets of Uruguay cities bear the name "Armenia".
In the evening, a ceremony dedicated to the 80th Anniversary of "Radio Gomidas" of Uruguay took place at Arno Babajanian Concert Hall.
The ceremony was attended by RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan, ARF Bureau representative Hrant Margarian, ARF Bureau representative Armen Rustamyan, the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society Central Committee member Spartak Gharabaghtsian, Director of Public Radio of Armenia, Armen Amirian, social, political and cultural figures, guests from Uruguay.
Greeting the guests, the RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan attached importance to the role of the Armenian radio programs in different countries around the world, especially the role that they played during the first years following the formation of Armenian communities. She added that the 80-year-old "Radio Gomidas" of Uruguay has been one of the first and the longest running ones.
The "Radio Gomidas" of Uruguay was awarded with the Gomidas Medal of the RA Ministry of Diaspora for its invaluable contribution to the preservation of the Armenian identity in Uruguay.
In his greeting speech the ARF Bureau's representative Armen Rustamyan mentioned the great role of the radio program in regard to the Armenian Cause, the claims of Armenians, as well as the issues related to the preservation of the Armenian language and identity.
Director of the Public Radio of Armenia Armen Amiryan congratulated the representatives of "Radio Gomidas" on the 80th anniversary and wished them stay on air and carry out pro-national activities for many more years.
The representatives of the Public Radio of Armenia and "Radio Gomidas" exchanged gifts and certificates and established contacts as sister radio stations.
The responsible of "Radio Gomidas" Garo Hekimian thanked for the high award and assured that the radio program will continue its activity aimed at preserving the national identity in Uruguay in support of the Armenian community’s consolidation and maintenance.
The ceremony was followed by a festive concert dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the "Radio Gomidas" of Uruguay with the performances by People's Artist Thomas Poghosyan, Honored Artists Arsen Grigoryan, Sahak Sahakian, Zaruhi Babayan, Emma Petrosyan, Ruben Sahakian, Silva Yuzpashian and "Arevik", "Nubar", "Sasna Dzrer" Folk Ensembles.
Harut Tonoyan
May 27, 2015