Georgetown, Ontario—On Saturday, June 24, at 2 p.m., the Armenian communities of Ontario will gather at Cedarvale Park (181 Main St. S., Georgetown, Ontario) to mark the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the Georgetown Boys. This momentous event, organized in collaboration with Heritage Halton Hills, the Halton Hills Town Council, the Sara Corning Centre for Genocide Education, and the Armenian National Committee of Toronto, aims to pay tribute to the Georgetown Boys and Girls while underscoring Canada’s responsibility to remember and draw lessons from past atrocities.
The commemorative event holds significant historical and cultural significance. On July 1, 1923, a group of 50 Armenian boys, hailing from an orphanage in Corfu, Greece, found themselves at Cedarvale Farm in Georgetown, Ontario. These youngsters, later known as the Georgetown Boys, arrived in Canada over seven years, with 150 boys, girls, and women being welcomed into the country. Having survived the Armenian Genocide (1915-1923), these orphans touched the hearts of countless Canadians, who rallied support and successfully lobbied the government to facilitate their immigration.
Under the compassionate care and guidance of the Armenian Relief Association of Canada and the United Church of Canada, the Georgetown Boys found solace at Cedarvale Farm. Nestled within the grounds where this event will take place, the orphans received shelter and education in English and farming skills. By 1930, these boys had been placed with farm families in Southwestern Ontario, embarking on a new chapter in their lives. As they grew into adulthood, most of these Armenians proudly embraced Canadian citizenship, establishing deep roots for their families as Armenian Canadians.
This Saturday’s commemoration seeks to honor the memory of the Georgetown Boys and highlight the enduring resilience they displayed in the face of unimaginable adversity. Joining forces with Heritage Halton Hills, the Halton Hills Town Council, the Sara Corning Centre for Genocide Education, and the Armenian National Committee of Toronto, the Armenian Communities of Ontario will underscore the importance of remembrance and education in preventing future crimes against humanity.
For those needing transportation to and from Cedarvale Park, kindly contact Gabriella Batikian at gbatikian@corningcentre.org. The organizers are dedicated to ensuring that everyone interested can participate in this poignant event, making it accessible to all who wish to pay tribute to the Georgetown Boys.