The Armenian community of Greater Washington has a long-standing tradition of hosting their annual Khanasor Picnic in honor of the brave souls who fought for the liberty of our people during the Khanasor Expedition in July 1897. This local tradition celebrates the virtues of courage, bravery, and justice embodied by the heroic defenders of the Armenian struggle throughout history. Armenians of the Washington, D.C. community, both young and old, come together each year to bond over delicious food and heghapokhagan songs in an outdoor and lively setting.
The ARF “Sebouh” Gomideh of Greater Washington hosted a successful Khanasor Picnic this year, on Sun., July 26, while also commemorating the 32nd anniversary of the Lisbon Five.
The ARF “Sebouh” Gomideh of Greater Washington hosted a successful Khanasor Picnic this year, on Sun., July 26, while also commemorating the 32nd anniversary of the Lisbon Five. Members of the Washington Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Senior “Ani” Chapter, along with this year’s Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Leo Sarkissian interns, spent a delightful afternoon with the Greater Washington community.
In his opening remarks, the chairman of the Washington ARF Gomideh, Aram Sarafian, thanked the Armenian youth and members of the community for their continued support and participation in local ARF events. Sarafian then introduced ARF Eastern Region Central Committee member Hovsep Avakian, who stressed the importance for today’s youth not only to commemorate the events of Khanasor and the Lisbon Five, but to proudly carry on the legacy of Tatul Krpeyan and Simon Yahneyan. Avakian added that the great sacrifice of our martyrs in Khansaor, Lisbon, and Karabagh paved new paths for Armenian liberty, freedom, and justice. He concluded by honoring all Armenian mothers who have given birth to and raised great martyrs like Krpeyan and the Lisbon Five.
This year’s Khanasor Picnic was especially memorable because of the presence of Aspram Krpeyan, the daughter of a national hero of Armenia, Tatul Krpeyan. In her remarks, Aspram thanked the ARF “Sebouh” Gomideh for giving her the opportunity to address the Washington community on this occasion. She told the story of her father as being one of the first ARF members in Karabagh to participate in the battles for liberation. She urged Diasporan Armenians to work closely with the motherland to achieve our pan-Armenian goals and to build a strong, prosperous homeland.