SYDNEY: On Saturday 28^th April 2012, Hamazkaine Tarkmanchatz Saturday School commemorated the 97^th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

The Armenian Genocide is a subject that has been covered age-appropriately within the classroom during the month of April and this was presented in a special School Assembly and Ceremony, with participation from all the students.

The infants students, wearing their new Red, Blue and Orange uniforms, proudly exclaimed ‘Ararade mern eh’ (Ararat belongs to Armenians), and performed the song ‘Artiok ovker en’. This was followed by poetry recitals, readings and songs from years 1-6. Panos Manjian addressed the students about the significance of the commemoration, telling them "you are the grandchildren of those who survived the genocide".

The school assembly concluded with a ceremony whereby the school captains each laid flowers and lit candles in remembrance of the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide.  During this ceremony years 5 and 6 sang Der Voghormia.  The hall was silenced by the solemnness of the occasion as all the children intently watched on.  All students then observed one minute silence, after which the entire school sang in prayer, the Hayr Mer. The ceremony was a very moving one for all those that were present.

All students then took their own flower, memorial card and a candle to light at home with their parents and family in remembrance of the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide.

We will remember them.