Arciero joins Armenian community in Westford in genocide commemoration

Published on April 24, 2026 by WestfordCAT

WESTFORD CENTER — Members of the Armenian community gathered on the Westford Town Common on April 24 to commemorate Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day with the town’s annual flag-raising ceremony.

The ceremony marked the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, in which historians estimate that over 1.5 million Armenians, as well as 900,000 Greeks and 750,000 Assyrians were systematically deported and murdered between 1915 and 1923 by the Ottoman Turks, as the Ottoman Empire was collapsing during the end of the First World War. 

Turkey, the modern-day successor to the Ottoman Empire, has denied the genocide for many years and allocated thousands of dollars in lobbying and campaigning in order to prevent other nations and international organizations from recognizing the genocide.

Local leaders, including Westford’s state representative Jim Arciero attended the ceremony, reiterating his recognition of the Armenian Genocide and support for the Armenian community.

“Honored to join the Armenian Genocide memorial flag raising at Westford Common today and to present a House resolution recognizing Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day,” Arciero said in a statement on social media. “We gathered to remember the 1.5 million Armenians who lost their lives and to stand in recognition of the strength, resilience and enduring spirit of the Armenian people.”

Guest speakers were then invited to speak, including a speaker who reflected on the historical significance of the genocide and its lasting impact on Armenian communities worldwide. Attendees then stood in observance as the Armenian flag was raised alongside the American flag, symbolizing remembrance, resilience and unity.

Organized with support from the Armenian National Committee of Merrimack Valley, the ceremony aimed to educate the public and preserve the memory of those who lost their lives in the genocide. Organizers emphasized the significance of acknowledging the past while ensuring that future generations understand the consequences of hatred and violence, describing the gathering as both solemn and meaningful, while noting the importance of coming together as a community to honor victims and survivors.

The ceremony concluded with a call to “remember, honor and never forget,” reinforcing the enduring message of remembrance tied to Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day.