Greetings, greetings to you all. Although a minority of our community members are already well acquainted with one another, we now have the opportunity to get to know each other even more closely through this column. Those of you who know me well expect me to convey these ideas along to you, the reader. Anyhow . . . Although we decided to label this column "Gentle Sounds From Kulak," there may also be some thunderous sounds as well. It all depends on the day's particular situation. I apologize in advance for any harm my words may create. This is not my goal. Instead, my goal is merely to convey my thoughts and ideas on to you. If you have any comments, please do not hesitate to call me or write me at my address.

Dear readers,

The issue of preparing the new generation of American-Armenians to face their culture and heritage is a very serious one. In order to accomplish this goal and turn it into reality, it is imperative that this new generation receive the education of Armenian culture not only from schools and churches, but also primarily from their respective families.

To parents: it is your responsibility to create an environment filled with Armenian patriotism, and religious belief. This will enhance the education necessary at home and will satisfy the child's spiritual appetite. This is as important as satisfying their physical appetite and helping them grow physically.

To the new Armenian generation: in order to prepare you to better serve your Armenian community, you must first be taught to be kind and humane, and secondly to be culturally aware.

Armenian schools, sermons given in churches, Armenian Saturday School programs, and Armenian organizations all work with these goals in mind. However, the primary teacher must come from the home and the family.

It is a danger for Armenians living outside of our motherland to forget our deep-rooted culture and heritage and to completely assimilate. This is a potentially fatal danger, to both the present and the future.

The only solution to this danger comes from the family who must teach its children to become culturally aware and to preserve its rich and ancient heritage and traditions. This is a sacrifice that must come from the family.

In addition to the everyday struggles that Armenians outside of Armenia go through, it is the responsibility of the Armenian parent must sacrifice himself in order to convey feelings of Armenian culture and pride into his children by accompanying these children to church, the theatre, concerts, and panel discussions and lectures on Armenian issues. We must be an example to our children first by creating such an environment. Only then can we expect our children to be honest and dedicated to first humanity, and then to their Armenian culture and heritage.

Just as the French are proud of Napoleon and their writers, just as the British are proud of Churchill and King Arthur, and just as the American takes pride in Washington and Lincoln, the Armenian parent must also acquaint his child with the important figures of Armenian history. We too have a responsibility to teach our children about Vartan Mamogonian, Medzn Tigran, St. Mesrop Mashdotz, Aram Khatachaturian, etc.

The Organization of Istanbul Armenians will also accept its role in conveying this message to the new Armenian generation, doing whatever we can do within our limited boundaries.

Therefore, dear friends, get ready to attend Armenian History and later on Armenian cultural classes in the Armenian, English, and Turkish languages, at the OIA Hall.

Always Yours,
Dr. Kulak