The Second Revised Edition of 270 page book written and compiled by Tatul Hakobyan and Paul Shahinian The Journeys of Heroes was published by ANI Armenian Research Center. It presents translations of the memoirs of Vagharshag Shahinian, a volunteer fighter from Van, and Yeghishe Catchouny, one of the primary personal aides of General Antranik Ozanian. Both men served in the Caucasus front of WWI during the creation of the First Republic of Armenia in 1918.
The volume will be available for purchase during Tatul Hakobyan’s book tour. Hakobyan will have a series of meetings and discussions with Armenian communities, unions and organizations on the East and West coasts of the United States from February 1 to 13, 2023.
We present the introduction of The Journeys of Heroes by the Sarajian family.
Introduction
As three of Yeghishe Catchouny’s grandchildren our memories of him are as varied as his life was. As in most families, the memories center around family gatherings at his home or that of other family members. Often these events would include grandpa’s extended family (his nieces) or their friends from Van and other parts of their homeland.
But we knew there was something special about our grandparents. As we grew and learned about the Armenian Genocide and World War I, we understood that that our grandparents were an important part of that history. From our great-grandfather Der Hoosig Avak Kahana Kachouni, who was among the first taken on April 24, 1915, to the stories of our grandparents as they met in Van and what the ensuing years brought them… times of war, survival as they were separated and then traveled together to survive.
Throughout those stories was one almost mythic figure: General Antranig. A hero to the Armenian people, we understood that our grandfather was a key member of his military staff, fought courageously with Antranig and then worked tirelessly with Antranig providing relief to the Armenian people after the war. We learned of our grandfather’s service to Armenia and its people and his strong relationship with Antranig. And ultimately how Yeghishe and Satenig Catchouny journeyed to America with General Antranig.
Our grandfather was a meticulous man in the records he kept. His diary of Antranig’s strike force provides a detailed record and insight into that army and that time. Antranig lives in the minds and hearts of the Armenian people today. As we talk of him with friends and look at pictures of Antranig with his strike force, we find others whose ancestors fought with Antranig and find them in the photos we have. As we remember the 102nd Anniversary of the founding of the first Independent Republic of Armenia, we also know that 2021 will mark the 30th Anniversary of the new Republic of Armenia which has survived its own challenges and continues to grow. We are proud of our children who have visited the homeland that Antranig, our grandfather, and their comrades fought for and held in their hearts, and is today a reality.
We would like to thank the ANI Armenian Research Center for initially editing and re-issuing Yeghishe Catchouny’s book and now publishing an English translation. This was a dream of our parents that has come true.
We are honored that our grandfather’s journal will be available to those who wish to study the story of General Antranig, whose stature defined the fight for independence, the brave men who fought with him, and their service to their people.
Richard Sarajian
Ken Sarajian
Carol Sarajian Kennelly
