Chicago Armenians Mark 108th Anniversary of First Republic
Remembering May 28, renewing our responsibility
The Armenian community in Chicago commemorated May 28, the 108th anniversary of the establishment of the First Republic of Armenia in 1918, with a weekend of events centered on remembrance and community renewal.
Homenetmen Chicago hosted a family gathering Friday evening at the Armenian Community Center, drawing families and supporters with nearly 40 sponsors contributing to the celebration. ARF Chicago leadership reflected on the historical significance of the date, noting that the 1918 republic emerged from military victories at Sardarabad, Bash Abaran and Karakilisa that secured Armenian survival during a period of existential threat.
Sunday's observance featured a traditional blessing of the Armenian tricolor by Fr. Samuel Ajemian, with the flag carried by AYF members and Homenetmen scouts alongside Ara Surenian, a longtime community leader and ARF member. The ceremony underscored intergenerational responsibility for preserving Armenian identity, language and culture.
