Sara Corning Monument Unveiled in Markham’s Forest of Hope
September 1, 2024
The following article by Veronique Aynedjian appeared in the August 2024 issue of Torontohye newspaper.
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On Saturday, July 13, around 100 community members and political representatives joined at Markham’s Forest of Hope to mark the unveiling of a monument dedicated to Sara Corning and her humanitarian pursuits.
After the playing of the Canadian and Armenian national anthems, master of ceremonies Alique Barsamian explained the extraordinary life of Sara Corning, a nurse from Chegoggin, Nova Scotia, who devoted her life to the humanitarian pursuit of saving Armenian orphans during the Armenian Genocide. Following a prayer from Very Reverend Father Vartan Tashjian, parish priest of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, His Worship Markham mayor Frank Scarpitti, Her Worship mayor of the Town of Yarmouth Pam Mood, Armenian Community Centre president Vahan Ajemian and Nishan Atikian from the Armenian National Committee of Toronto unveiled the monument. The monument was designed by artist Garen Bedrossian and funded by the generous contributions of Simon and Maral Hasserjian. The architect who designed the Forest of Hope was Haig Seferian. The monument is inspired by a photograph of Sara Corning with orphans on each side.
Founder of the Sara Corning Centre for Genocide Education, and the event’s keynote speaker, Raffi Sarkissian shared details of Sara Corning’s life. Sarkissian explained that Corning’s one-of-a-kind humanitarian spirit was why the organization was named after the Chegoggin-born nurse. Sarkissian expressed that “Canada needs more Sara Corning,” as her humanitarian spirit must serve as a guide to our moral compasses, especially concerning genocide prevention. By commemorating Corning’s legacy, we “create a future where all rights are respected equally.” Sarkissian also referenced Hitler’s chilling words “Who, after all, remembers the Armenians” to explain that a forgotten genocide allows the precedence of genocides to continue and for new genocides to be committed.
Markham’s mayor Frank Scarpitti spoke about how despite many moments of humankind being blighted by conflict, it is through the actions of people like Corning that we are able to find hope and light in the darkness. Scarpitti went on to explain the importance of the statue in honouring Sara Corning’s legacy and lifelong dedication to her humanitarian work.
Yarmouth’s mayor Pam Mood also spoke about how the monument embodies Sara Corning’s legacy, which is defined by spreading kindness and the goodness of humanity.
Sixteen political representatives from Markham in York Region attended the event, as well as Jennifer and David, two members of Sara Corning’s family.
After the event, many families took the opportunity to take a picture with the newly erected monument. This event was truly memorable as it not only was a historical moment for genocide remembrance but also strengthened the bonds between the Canadian and Armenian communities. Let us all follow Corning’s example and continue the noble pursuit of saving humanity with grace and the kindness of our own hearts.