Tripoli: VARTANANTS Commemoration.

11 February 1980 –AGBU-AYA Tripoli: VARTANANTS Commemoration. “Despite the prevailing insecure conditions, on Monday evening, 11 February, at 8:00 p.m., AGBU-AYA Tripoly Chapter’s hall was filled to capacity with attendees honoring the memory of the heroic VARTANANTS.-------------- From the moment of their arrival, those present were impressed by the melodies of Holy Etchmiadzin. A large portrait of Vartan, drawn by the young George Iskenderian, occupied the front of the stage.---------------- The event was opened by the Chairwoman of our chapter, Mrs. S. Koyajian. The audience then listened to a recorded recitation by veterans of Vahan Tekeyan’s ‘Counsel of the Vardanants,’ which left a deep impression on all present.------------ Next, the junior choir performed ‘My Patriotic Spirit, Vardan,’ featuring a solo by the young Hovig Pamboukian, whose emotionally rendered ‘My Soul Be a Sacrifice to Your Soul’ deeply moved everyone.------------- Mrs. Madeleine Sahakian, with profound feeling, recited Jack. Hagobian’s ‘Keghon of the Vardanants.’------------------- The speaker of the day, Mr. Hovsep Sahakian, Executive Committee member of the local AYA, presented the historical background of the Vardanants in a clear and refined manner, highlighting the religious, national, and political motivations of the heroic battle…” (Hoosharar, 15 April 1980, p. 22) (37H) 1980 02 11