Bedros Sharian Jr. and Decatur Club President Alison Weissinger

On Friday, November 21, at the Historic Decatur Courthouse, the Rotary Club of Decatur and the City of Decatur, Georgia honored long-time member Bedros Sharian Jr. as he approached his 100^th birthday on Thanksgiving Day. City Manager and Rotary member, Andrea Arnold, read the proclamation signed by Mayor Patricia M. Garrett that proclaimed November 25, 2025, as Bedros Sharian Jr. Day. Former Decatur Mayor Walt Drake also provided a historical perspective on Bedros’ rich life and his impact on the Decatur Community.

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS , Bedros Sharian, Jr. was born on November 25, 1925 to Armenian immigrants who arrived in the United States in the early 1900s, whose journey to this country has been an integral part of his rich family legacy; and

WHEREAS , in 1931, Bedros' parents established the Sharian business, initially starting with a rug cleaning operation in their backyard on Drexel Avenue, which eventually grew to become a cornerstone of the Decatur business community; and

WHEREAS , Bedros graduated from Decatur Boys High School, attended Emory University at Oxford, and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, epitomizing the courage and sacrifice of the "Greatest Generation"; and

WHEREAS , upon returning to Decatur in 1946, Bedros completed his education at Emory University, joined the family business, and became its President, and later Chair of the Board of Directors, always leading with integrity, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence; and

WHEREAS , Bedros has been instrumental in guiding Sharian, Inc. through four generations of ownership and management, fostering not only its success but also a strong legacy of service to the community, and

WHEREAS , Bedros' contributions to the Decatur community extend beyond business, as he served as President of the Decatur Rotary Club and the Executive Club of Decatur, with nearly 50 years of active service to both organizations; and

WHEREAS , it is fitting that we celebrate Bedros Sharian, Jr. on the occasion of his 100th birthday, recognizing his remarkable legacy as a Decatur business leader, a proud American, a distinguished World War II veteran, and the patriarch of the Sharian family, whose contributions to our city have been immeasurable.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Patricia M. Garrett, Mayor of the City of Decatur, the “City of Homes, Schools, and Places of Worship,” do hereby proclaim November 25, 2025 as BEDROS SHARIAN, JR. DAY in honor of his 100^th birthday and in recognition of his lifelong dedication to Decatur, his service to our nation, and his exemplary leadership in business and community life.

IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereto set my hand and cause the Seal of the City of Decatur to be affixed this 21^ST day of November, 2025

Patricia M. Garrett

Mayor