BEIRUT–The remains of Movses Der-Kalousdian–one of the leaders of the heroic battle at Musa Dagh–were transported to Ainjar and were placed in a grave built by the monument dedicated to the martyrs of the historic battle.
Present at the ceremony which took place on Saturday–were His Holiness–Aram I–Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia–Manuel Batakian–His Eminence Hovannes Karjian–Right Reverend Kegham Khacherian–the vice-president of the Lebanese Parliament Eli Ferzeli–former Prime Minister Rashid Solh–former Parliamentary President Hussein Husseini–the Armenian Ambassador to Lebanon Arman Navasartian–and other ambassadors–officials–social and political leaders and thousands of spectators.
The remains of Der-Kalousdian and his wife were transported from the cemetery in Boorj Hamood to the St. Paul Church where the ceremony began. The remains were later taken to their final resting place–the soil of Ainjar.
After the ceremony–Aram I–proceeded with the unveiling of a bust of Der-Kalousdian. Following the unveiling–the Armenian and Lebanese national anthems were played by the Homenetmen horn section and the official part of the program got underway.
The opening speech was given by Mihran Ashkarian. Yesai Havatian spoke on the behalf of the regional ARF "Garmir Ler" chapter–who gave Der-Kalousdian’s biographical notes. Next to speak were Rashid Solh and Eli Ferzeli who praised Der-Kalousdian and the Armenian people as a whole for their heroic acts at Musa Dagh.
On the behalf of the Armenian Caucus of the Lebanese Parliament Der-Kalousdian’s colleague Khatchig Babigian spoke about Der-Kalousdian’s integrity.
Hratch Dasnabedian spoke o the behalf of the ARF Bureau and the Lebanon’s ARF Central Committee. Dasnabedian stressed Der-Kalousdian’s value as a national and political leader–stressing his message to the youth who did not have the privilege to meet him.
Hagop Jambazian spoke on the behalf of Canada’s ARF Central Committee. Jambazian spoke about the ideals the Musa Dagh freedom fighters followed and the echo their deeds and ideals disseminated throughout the community.