A Postcard from Yerevan

Armin T. Wegner visited Armenia twice: first in 1927, during the 10th anniversary celebrations of the October Revolution, which led him to travel extensively throughout the USSR; and again in 1968, when he was invited by the Soviet Republic of Armenia’s government to receive the esteemed Gregor the Illuminator Award, Armenia’s highest honor. During his 1968 stay, Armin and Irene sent a postcard to Sibylle Stevens, the daughter of Armin T. Wegner and his first wife, Lola Landau, who was married to Rex Stevens.

Dearest child, barely had Irene and I returned from Israel to Rome, and had only just begun to settle into our new place in the heart of Rome, when we received a new invitation, this time to fly over Moscow to the Caucasus. And on the other side [of the postcard], you’ll see the mighty monument of an Armenian war hero carved into stone, with a small water well springing forth from beneath its iron hooves. It’s meant to symbolize the impatience of the people who, after years of oppression, are looking forward to a new future. We can see this new life here right now, and it feels like a miracle. Irene and your father were honored greatly here. Women and beautiful girls I’ve never seen before are throwing their arms around my neck to cover my face with tender kisses for what I did for Armenia when I was young. I do the same to you. Your Daddy.

 All my love to you, [and] Rex, warmly, Irene