ARAMAC Philadelphia Chair Paul Sookiasian Leads Effort Washington, DC - This week, members throughout the Philadelphia area Armenian-American community will gather at the grave of Khachadour Paul Garabedian, the U.S. Civil War's only Armenian combat soldier, reported the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly). The Philadelphia Armenian-American Veterans' Association will host a special dedication ceremony Saturday afternoon at the Armenian khachkar properly marking Garabedian's grave site. According to the Washington Times: "Garabedian was born in the small town of Rodosto near Constantinople (now known as Istanbul) in Turkey, on August 25, 1836, and immigrated to Lowell, Mass. in the late 1850s. There he worked as a machinist and became an American citizen. "In 1864 at the age of 28, he enlisted in the Union Navy. Engineers were in demand at the time, and his years of working in the mills in Massachusetts made him a desirable recruit. He enlisted as a Third Assistant Engineer, holding officer rank, and served upon two ships, the USS Geranium and the USS Grand Gulf, both blockade ships, deployed to cover Southern ports along the Atlantic Coast and later on in the Gulf of Mexico." Khachadour Garabedian is also credited as the first Armenian to settle in Philadelphia. He was discharged in Philadelphia from the Union Navy in August, 1865 and stayed for the remainder of his life. The dedication is not only unique, but timely as well. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the start of the U.S. Civil War and commemorative events are being held throughout the country. Leading the community-wide effort to properly mark Officer Garabedian's grave site was Paul Sookiasian, the Assembly's Armenian-American Action Committee (ARAMAC) Philadelphia Chair. "The Assembly commends Paul Sookiasian for his tireless efforts these last few years in reaching out to the community, raising awareness of Garabedian's extraordinary story, and generating the financial support necessary to make this project a reality," stated Assembly Grassroots Director Taniel Koushakjian. "Garabedian's life embodies the successful immigrant story of one who left everything behind and was able to build a new one here in America," stated Sookiasian. "He met his adopted country's challenges and received its blessings, and in return he was moved to answer its call and serve the Union in the Civil War. He is a reminder of what an important role Armenian-Americans have played in our nation's history, and as a veteran he is particularly deserving of our respect. I am glad that he could finally be properly honored with this memorial and that his story will continue to inspire all Americans in the future," concluded Sookiasian. The dedication ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 1 at Noon at Fernwood Cemetery and is sponsored by the Philadelphia Armenian-American Veterans' Association. ARAMAC is the grassroots arm of the Armenian Assembly of America which supports grassroots activism and anti-defamation. Established in 1993, ARAMAC is the largest, independent, Armenian-American grassroots network. Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues.. The Assembly is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

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