Assdour Kayoomjan, great grandfather of Alyssa Cannata, dressed in a uniform from the first World War.

Assdour Kayoomjan, great uncle of Alyssa Cannata, dressed in uniform from the first World War. Medals and signifiers are deliberately obstructed.

Avedis Kayoomjan, grandfather of Alyssa Cannata, dressed in his unifrom from the Second World War.

Assdour Kayoomjan in a Caucus Military Uniform

These three images display three relatives of the same donor, Alyssa Canatta, that participated in Global Conflicts during and following the Armenian Genocide. The first image is of her Great Grandfather, Assdour Kayoomjan, dressed in a military uniform that would have been common in the caucus region. This uniform could have been supplied by the Russian army, the Turkish army, the British army, or simply been the uniform of an armed Armenian man fighting the Empire that betrayed his people. We know for a fact that this Armenian man served in the First World War fighting on the side of the allies. However, the rest of his story during the war has been lost to the ages. Assdour, like many men and women who are forced into combat, spoke little of his experiences once the war was over. The only thing we have to remember his experience by now is a photograph of him in the uniform he served in.

Avedes Kayoomjan in Unidentified Uniform

The second image pictured here is of the Great Uncle of Alyssa Canatta in an unidentified uniform. While the uniform appears to be some kind of traditional uniform from the region, it is impossible to say which army young Avedes signed up to join. One of the more intriguing parts of this photograph is the medals on his chest. They appear to be intentionally obscured with pieces of paper or cloth. Was this done to conceal his involvement with Turkish forces? Was he concealing his involvement from the Ottoman government? What other reason would a young soldier want to hide the proof of his service? Apart from these questions, it is known that Avedes fought in the First World War. While it is unlikely he served his Turkish oppressors on the side of the Central Powers, his true involvement has been lost to history. 

Avedes Kayoomjan (younger) in American Naval Uniform

This third image is of the Grandfather of Alyssa Canatta. He can clearly be seen in an American naval uniform from the Pacific theater of the Second World War. After just one generation in the United States, this Armenian American was willing to put his life on the line for his new home. He had no personal grudge in the fight, he was not going to fight the Turks or anyone else who had brutalized his people, he instead chose to devote his life to his new homeland. Little is known about his experience during the war as, with most former soldiers, he chose to live a peaceful life upon his return and told few stories.