Earthquake in Armenia

How ironic that the recognition that Armenians have long sought should come about, at long last, as a result of an overwhelming tragedy. There must be some compensation in that very fact to Armenians throughout the world. It is surely inspiring to read about all the aid being rushed to this small segment of historic Armenia in the Soviet Union. And the care and concern expressed by world leaders as well as the men and women on the streets are truly incredible tothose of us who have been aware of Armenia’s struggles for survival.

Some of the earthquake reports have alluded to the big one of 80 years ago, which reminded me of my grandmother, Marta, and how she had faced up to the quake in Erzerum in historic Armenia. My mother related how everyone had rushed out into the open fields but that her mother had somehow managed to return to their home and to prepare some vosp abour-- hearty lentil soup--to feed the entire neighborhood. It kept them going and was, of course, a great morale booster. Marta’s task was in the very nature of what William Saroyan once proclaimed: “The Armenian spirit is a strong spirit. It is not defeated by an evil world; instead it defeats that world.”

SHERRY TERZIAN

Los Angeles