Rupen Janbazian: The Enduring Legacy of the Georgetown Boys’ Arrival

October 1, 2023

The following editorial was published in the September 2023 issue of Torontohye newspaper.

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“Reflecting on 100 Years: The Enduring Legacy of the Georgetown Boys’ Arrival”

Rupen Janbazian, Editor

As we mark the centennial anniversary of the Georgetown Boys’ arrival in Canada, we are reminded of the profound impact of Canada’s Noble Experiment—a beacon of compassion that illuminated the darkest corners of history. In a world marred by conflict and intolerance, the story of these Armenian orphans is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of empathy.

Canada’s first international humanitarian act was sparked by the Armenian Genocide—an atrocity that saw the lives of 1.5 million Armenians extinguished and countless families torn apart. Amid this horror, a group of Canadians, touched by the plight of these victims, rallied to create a lifeline. The result was the arrival of a group of orphans in Georgetown, Ontario.

The journey of the Georgetown Boys mirrors a broader narrative of hope and renewal. These boys, torn from their homeland and orphaned by tragedy, found solace in the welcoming arms of a new land. Through perseverance, they learned new skills and forged their destinies as proud Canadians and proud Armenians, embodying the spirit of resilience.

This centennial anniversary serves as a reminder that amidst the darkest times, humanity can shine its brightest. The legacy of the Georgetown Boys is imprinted not only in the fields of Georgetown but also in the hearts of their descendants and the broader Armenian-Canadian community. Their story is a beacon that guides us to embrace diversity, extend our hands to those in need, and stand up against injustice.

Today, the Armenian people in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) face a dire threat that echoes the shadows of history-a threat of genocide more than a century after the Armenian Genocide. The blockade of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijani security forces impedes access to vital resources such as food, medical supplies, and other essentials.

The journey of the Georgetown Boys, etched in the annals of history, parallels the struggle faced by the Armenians in Artsakh today. Both stories speak to the human capacity for resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship. Today, even as we reflect on history’s brightest moments of compassion, the shadows of genocide continue to darken the lives of innocent people. As we commemorate the centennial of the arrival of the Georgetown Boys, we must also acknowledge our responsibility to respond to the cries of those in peril today.

With this special commemorative issue, we commemorate this milestone and reflect on the journey that brought these boys to a new home, a new life. Their journey symbolizes the hope for a better future, the compassion that transcends borders, and the bonds that unite us all as human beings. It’s a story of healing and redemption, a story that continues to inspire us to be better and to do better.

The arrival of the Georgetown Boys serves as an eternal reminder that within our collective humanity lies the potential for remarkable transformation. While we celebrate their journey, let us also renew our pledge to cultivate a world of understanding, empathy, and compassion— a realm where every child finds shelter, family, and promise. The legacy of the Georgetown Boys perseveres, kindling our awareness that even amidst adversity, the innate generosity and benevolence of humanity can illuminate the darkest corners of our shared history. However, the lessons of the past also teach us that we must act now, before it’s too late, to prevent the dark pages of history from tragically repeating themselves.