WWI & WWII: Fight for Freedom

During the First World War, the Armenian community in Brantford actively contributed to the Canadian war effort, despite their difficult past as survivors of the Armenian genocide. Articles highlight the stories of young men like Private Sam Chickegian, who served in the war after emigrating from Armenia in 1907. At just 16, Chickegian was killed in action, a sacrifice he made to avenge his relatives lost in the Armenian massacres. Other Armenians joined local military units like the Armenian Home Guards, a group dedicated to training and supporting the war effort, though many were hindered by the requirement to hold British citizenship. Nonetheless, Armenians like Sergt. Armen Amirkhanian passionately shared the plight of their people, linking their struggles to the broader narrative of global conflict.

In the Second World War, Armenians in Brantford continued their commitment to Canada’s military, as seen in the story of Sgt. James T. Avedisian, who perished during a bombing mission over Europe in 1942. The community also sought ways to integrate into Canadian society while maintaining a connection to their heritage. Articles from the Brantford Expositor during this era reflect the pride Armenians felt in their contributions to the war, while also acknowledging the lingering impact of their history as a persecuted people.