The Armenian Community in Sweden paid homage to the memory of victims of the Armenian Genocide of 1915

Stockholm, 02/05/04 - On April 24, 2004 in Uppsala, Sweden the Armenian Community of Sweden and many foreign representatives paid homage to the memory of the victims of Armenian Genocide. Many came to Uppsala from far cities to take part in the commemoration soiree, organized by the Union of Armenian Associations in Sweden, Swedish Armenian organizations and the Swedish Church. The commemoration ceremony took place in the main church of Uppsala.

The bells of this wonderful church rang to the memory of the victims of the Armenian genocide and the Armenian flag fluttered over Uppsala from the eminent highness of the church. The anthem of the Republic of Armenia was performed and the service was given to the repose of victims. The service was followed by a concert. The public admired the recitals of Arpine Zakhinian with the piano accompaniment of Lilit Soukiassian, the performances of Karine Sedrakian, Karine Gevrogyan, Swedish singer Annette Taranton and the duduk of Hayk Hakobian. Sting Lundstrom the Swedish poet recited his poems dedicated to Armenian people, and Jan Gustavson performed the Armenian traditional song “Krunk” on his trumpet.

Goran Gunner, professor at Faculty of Baptist Theology in Stockholm and honored worker at the research department of the Swedish Church, author of the book ”Nostalgia for Ararat” reminded the public of the bitter historical truth and the wishes of the Armenian people aspiring to justice.

Garo Hakopian the chairman of the Union of Armenian Associations in Sweden and Assembly of Armenians of Europe made a speech on the subject “the present and the past”. He noted “to forget the past means not to see the present, not to see the present means not to have future. We believe that our people, in spite of all difficulties will create brighter future. “