Memorial Plaque Unveiled in Adelaide

Following the recognition of the Armenian Genocide in the Legislative Council of South Australia on March 25, 2009 and then recognition of the Armenian, Assyrian, and Pontian Genocides by the Government of South Australia on April 30, 2009, the Armenian Cultural Association of South Australia (ACASA) started the proceedings to have a plaque affixed to the Memorial Wall of the Migration Museum of South Australia.

Following the recognition of the Armenian Genocide in the Legislative Council of South Australia on March 25, 2009 and then recognition of the Armenian, Assyrian, and Pontian Genocides by the Government of South Australia on April 30, 2009, the Armenian Cultural Association of South Australia (ACASA) started the proceedings to have a plaque affixed to the Memorial Wall of the Migration Museum of South Australia.

After many months of hard work and debating with the Management of the Migration Museum, the wording and design of the plaque was finalised and approved to be unveiled on the 95th anniversary of the Genocide.

On Saturday April 24, 2010, under a marquee erected in the courtyard of the Migration Museum, a simple but moving ceremony took place in front of an audience of approximately 60 people.

The President of ACASA, Mr Gevik Abedian, started the ceremony with a very moving speech. The CEO of History SA, Ms Margaret Anderson spoke next describing the purpose of the Memorial Wall.

Mr Michael Atkinson MP, who had moved the motion in the House of Assembly and supported the motion in the Legislative Council back in 2009 during his time as the Attorney General and the Minister of Multicultural Affairs, made a defining speech about the Armenian Genocide committed by the Ottoman State.

In between the speeches, two pieces of Armenian music were played on violin by Mr Minas Berberyan whose grandparents were among survivors of the Armenian Genocide, and his wife Mrs Erna Berberyan.

After a few words from His Eminence Archbishop Aghan Baliozian, the crowd walked toward the Memorial Wall. The Archbishop led with the Lord’s prayer and gave his blessing and the plaque was unveiled by Mr Atkinson.

This simple but very moving ceremony marks a very important milestone for the small but vibrant community of Armenians in South Australia.

The preparation of the plaque was partially funded by the Government of South Australia. The Armenian community in Adelaide also made generous donations toward the plaque and the associated ceremony.