birthday Archives

Arslan Seraydarian’s 100th birthday was Feb. 16. He celebrated with his wife, Gladys, left, and his two children, Donald and Carol.

The family and friends of Armenian Genocide survivor Arslan Seraydarian of Broomall celebrated his 100th birthday milestone February 17, The Delaware County Daily Times reports.

The evening was filled with historic and heartwarming recollections of a life of perseverance, resilience and faith and with festive Armenian and American music, dance and cuisine. It was a fitting tribute to an Armenian-American survivor of the Genocide, a decorated World War II veteran, an accomplished professional, and a treasured family member and friend.

He and some family members escaped the Armenian Genocide, while many of his relatives perished at the hands of the Ottoman Turks. Arriving in the U.S. in 1923, he was forced to drop out of school in the 8th grade during the Great Depression to help his family survive. Serving in the Army in the European theater of World War II from 1939-1945, Arslan endured 10 months of fierce combat in which he and his fellow soldiers were forced to use dead animals for shelter. Arslan fought in the Battle of the Bulge, earning three Bronze Stars and recently the French Legion of Honor medal for helping liberate France.

After the war, Arslan was able to complete high school, college, and eventually earned a Master’s degree. Arslan enjoyed a long and productive career as an aerospace engineer and teacher. He has been married to his beloved wife, Gladys, for 72 years.

Some three dozen countries, hundreds of local government bodies and international organizations have so far recognized the killings of 1.5 million Armenians in the Ottoman Empire as Genocide.

Turkey denies to this day.

Yerevan is celebrating its 2798th birthday on Saturday, October 8.

The capital and largest city of Armenia, Yerevan is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Its history dates back to 782 BC, when the fortress of Erebuni was founded by king Argishti I. A cuneiform inscription proves that the Urartian military fortress was built at the site of modern-day Yerevan.

The cuneiform inscription reads: “By the greatness of the God Khaldi, Argishti, son of Menua, built this mighty stronghold and proclaimed it Erebuni for the glory of Biainili [Urartu] and to instill fear among the king’s enemies. Argishti says, “The land was a desert, before the great works I accomplished upon it. By the greatness of Khaldi, Argishti, son of Menua, is a mighty king, king of Biainili, and ruler of Tushpa.”

The city is 29 years older than Rome, is the same age as Babylon and the Assyrian city of Nineveh, but unlike the latter, has become a prosperous city now.

The city’s birthday has been celebrated since 1968, when the Erebuni-Yerevan events were organized for the very first time. This year, Armenia’s capital turns 2798, and its birthday is being celebrated under the motto “Yerevan: A City of Sun”.

A great number of events for all the age-groups of the population have been organized throughout Yerevan.