During our long history, we Armenians have had very little to be optimistic about.  In our 
present day Diaspora, we find ourselves scattered and divided throughout many parts of 
the world.  Until very recently, the only homeland we had was inaccessible to the free 
world because of the "Iron Curtain."  


The winds of time have shifted, the "Iron Curtain" is down and Armenia is discarding her  
communist yoke and is striving toward independence.  Regardless of our differences in 
the Diaspora, I am sure that all good Armenians want to see this new infant Republic 
prevail.  Though this may be what all good Armenians want, we must realize that a 
disjointed and divided Diaspora can’t do Armenian or anyone else any good.  We are 
sorely in need of common ground and perhaps this newly formed Republic of Armenia is 
just what the doctor ordered.  


In recent years our Knights have become more visible through our Diaspora communities.  
We were the first organization to openly come out in full support of the church unity 
movement and we have become more actively involved in inter-communal relations.  We 
enjoy the support of our communities because we are not political and we do not choose 
sides.  If I were to be critical, the only thing I would be most critical about is that the 
Knights are no visible enough.


I think that the time has come to take the "wraps" off.  Our Knights are living proof that 
Armenians, regardless of their difference, can work together.  Why can’t we make a more 
concerted effort toward getting this message across to our divided churches and 
communities?  We could, if we weren’t so secret about ourselves.  As for our youth, all 
that they have seen regarding our senior organizations has been controversy and divisive 
rivalries; some of this pessimism influenced their thinking in the right direction.  


Think about it.  We have a brand new year ahead of us.  Let’s dust off our armor and 
polish the tarnish off our shields.  Let it reflect all of the sunlight!  Let’s make 1991 the 
year of the Asbeds!   


Joseph Vosbikian