Tweet
Armenian National Committee of America - Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918 Fax: 818.246.7353
[email protected] www.anca.org
PRESS RELEASE
Friday, April 28, 2006
Contact: Maral Habeshian
Tel: (818) 500-1918
ANCA-WR JOINS WEST COAST COMMUNITIES TO COMMEMORATE 91ST ANNIVERSARY
OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
GLENDALE, CA - This year, Armenian American communities, student
organizations, and youth throughout the West Coast commemorated the
Armenian Genocide more actively than ever. The Armenian National
Committee of America - Western Region (ANCA-WR) brought together
elected officials and dignitaries to mark the 91st anniversary of the
genocide alongside Armenian Americans. Whether in Las Vegas, Colorado,
New Mexico, Fresno, San Francisco, Phoenix, Montebello or Los Angeles,
the message remained clear: the US government must once and for all
speak with moral clarity and officially recognize the Armenian
Genocide.
LOS ANGELES
Thousands gathered at the Armenian Martyrs Monument in Montebello on
Sunday, April 23rd to commemorate the 91st anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide. Elected officials joined Armenian religious leaders to honor
the victims of the genocide and demand proper recognition and justice
for the first genocide of the 20th Century.
In her introduction, Mistress of Ceremonies State Senator Jackie
Kanchelian-Speier stressed `We demand justice because we know, as
students of history, that our world is more dangerous by virtue of
Turkey's denial of the Armenian Genocide.' She urged all Armenians and
elected officials to utilize their passion and power, along with
perseverance to stop the cycle of genocide forever.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Peter Cowe, Narekatsi
Professor of Armenian Studies at UCLA, and Turkish Publisher Ragip
Zarakolu served as keynote speakers.
Speaking about US Ambassador John Evan, Mayor Villaraigosa said
`Earlier this year, we witnessed a rare display of diplomatic
courage...John Evans spoke out about these crimes by stating the
obvious - he used the word `genocide.' And, for this, some are now
trying to end his career. They want to silence him. They want John
Evans recalled from his post.'
Among the many elected officials were Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez,
Congressman Adam Schiff, Member of the Board of Equalization John
Chiang, California State Senator Jack Scott, Assemblymembers Judy Chu,
Ron Calderon, Lynn Daucher, Jerome Horton, Carol Liu, along with a
host of other members of area City Councils.
Many who spoke pointed to the genocide in Darfur today and asked
whether the unpunished genocide of Armenians has not perpetuated the
cycle of genocide in the world.
FRESNO
Around four-hundred Fresno Armenians gathered at City Hall on April
22nd, for a joint Fresno ANCA-City Hall sponsored event that was
emceed by Councilman Tom Boyajian and featured Congressman George
Radanovich (R-CA), Congressman Jim Costa (D-CA), Assemblyman Juan
Arambula, ANCA-Fresno Chairworman Hygo Ohannessian, and Glendale City
Clerk Ardashes Kassakhian. As the keynote speaker, Kassakhian said
that it was not only an honor to speak in Fresno, the home of William
Saroyan and great heroes of the Armenian Cause such as General
Antranik and Soghomon Tehlirian, but also inspiring to see Congressmen
George Radanovich and Jim Costa as well as Assemblymember Arabuela,
and Mayor Autry on hand to promote Armenian Genocide recognition
efforts.
On Sunday, community members visited the Soghomon Tehlirian Monument
in the Massis Ararat Cemetery to honor Tehlirian and commemorate the
victims of the Armenian Genocide. ANCA-WR Board member Armen Martin
spoke of the persistent struggle in getting not only Turkey to
recognize the genocide, but also the United States that goes as far as
stifling a long-time career diplomat for his acknowledgment of the
Armenian Genocide. `As Americans we are outraged by this. As
Armenians, we are insulted by this,' Martin said, encouraging the
crowd to be ever vigilant in demanding recognition and justice for the
Armenian Genocide.
SAN FRANCISCO
The South (San Francisco) Bay Armenian community held a somber service
on April 23rd at St. Andrew Armenian Church in Cupertino. On the
following day, April 24th, the Mt. Davidson Cross was the site for a
requiem ceremony led by clergy of Bay Area Armenian churches. On
Tuesday, the Bay Area Armenian community rallied across from San
Francisco City Hall, where a commemoration program hosted by Mayor
Gavin Newsom was later held. Keynote speakers featured Dr. Antranig
Kasparian and Dr. Richard Hovanissian. Addressing the almost 600
community member and guests in attendance, Kasparian detailed the new
dimensions of Armenian-Turkish relations, stressing that gains may be
achieved by engaging Turkish society, while maintaining pressure from
the outside. Distinguished guests included Henry Morgenthau IV, great
grand-son of Ambassador Henry Morgenthau, Consul General of Greece
Xenia Stephanidou, Deputy Consul General of Russia Yuri Bedjanian, San
Francisco County Board Supervisors S! hawn Elsbernd and Aaron Peskin.
ARIZONA
The ANCA-Arizona chapter commemoration featured ANCA-WR Board member
Thomas Azaian who addressed the crowd of over 400 at the genocide
monument in Phoenix as part of the day's events which also featured an
Armenian Youth Federation-led march to the State Capitol. Azaian
touched on the pressure exerted on US Ambassador to Armenia John
Evans, since his proper acknowledgement of the Armenian Genocide this
past autumn. Rather than punishing the Ambassador, Azaian called on
President Bush to follow Evans' lead in properly acknowledging the
Armenian Genocide. Azaian stressed, however, that the goal of genocide
recognition is justice, not mere affirmation of a historical fact.
Emphasizing the Arizona Armenian community's strong leadership and
active youth, he noted, `They are ready to work and can deliver. There
is a lot of potential here.'
Arizona State House Representative Ted Carpenter was among those
participating in the commemoration program. Ani Shekerjian presented
Governor Janet Napolitano's proclamation in honor of the Armenian
Genocide.
NEW MEXICO
Glendale City Clerk and former ANCA-WR Executive Director Ardashes
Kassakhian, joined the Armenian Cultural Association (ACA) of New
Mexico for its commemoration in Albuquerque on April 23rd. The day's
events began with the placing of a memorial plaque and tree outside
the Albuquerque Museum, followed by a memorial service at the ACA's
community center.
In his keynote address, Kassakhian briefed the community on the
continued denial campaign waged by the Republic of Turkey and spoke of
their effectiveness in challenging this effort by reaching out to
elected officials.
Albuquerque resident A.J. Kerian presented Mayor Martin Chavez's
proclamation on the occasion of the commemoration.
Commenting on the event, Kassakhian said the efforts of the growing
community are impressive. `A proclamation is a strong indicator of
their success; I look forward to the future accomplishments of the New
Mexico Armenian American community as they work with organizations,
like the ANCA, to raise awareness within their communities regarding
issues of concern to all of us.'
MOUNTAIN STATES AND BEYOND
The ANCA-WR also participated in commemoration events in Las Vegas,
Nevada and Denver, Colorado. Back in Los Angeles, ANCA-WR leadership
addressed the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Armenian Society-organized
panel discussion regarding the Armenian Genocide and distributed
petitions at the `Izabelles Scar 2006' benefit/awareness concert,
featuring the apex theory, Harout Pamboukjian, the Freeway People, and
special guests John Dolmayan (System Of A Down), and poet/word-smith
Knowledge, among others. ANCA-Glendale Director Alina Azizian
delivered remarks on the occasion at an event organized by Bank of
America. ANCA leadership and members also joined the Armenian Youth
Federation for its annual protest in front of the Turkish Consulate in
Beverly Hills, California.
The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest and
most influential Armenian American grassroots political
organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices,
chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated
organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the
concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of
issues.
Editor's note: Photos attached.
Photo 1 caption: ANCA-WR board member Souzi Zerounian addressing the
Los Angeles City Council.
Photo 2 caption: Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti
presenting Los Angeles City Council resolution on the Armenian
Genocide.
Photo 3 caption: Armenian American community leaders and members with
Council President Eric Garcetti and Councilmember Dennis Zine.
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918 Fax: 818.246.7353
[email protected] www.anca.org
PRESS RELEASE
Friday, April 28, 2006
Contact: Maral Habeshian
Tel: (818) 500-1918
ANCA-WR JOINS WEST COAST COMMUNITIES TO COMMEMORATE 91ST ANNIVERSARY
OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
GLENDALE, CA - This year, Armenian American communities, student
organizations, and youth throughout the West Coast commemorated the
Armenian Genocide more actively than ever. The Armenian National
Committee of America - Western Region (ANCA-WR) brought together
elected officials and dignitaries to mark the 91st anniversary of the
genocide alongside Armenian Americans. Whether in Las Vegas, Colorado,
New Mexico, Fresno, San Francisco, Phoenix, Montebello or Los Angeles,
the message remained clear: the US government must once and for all
speak with moral clarity and officially recognize the Armenian
Genocide.
LOS ANGELES
Thousands gathered at the Armenian Martyrs Monument in Montebello on
Sunday, April 23rd to commemorate the 91st anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide. Elected officials joined Armenian religious leaders to honor
the victims of the genocide and demand proper recognition and justice
for the first genocide of the 20th Century.
In her introduction, Mistress of Ceremonies State Senator Jackie
Kanchelian-Speier stressed `We demand justice because we know, as
students of history, that our world is more dangerous by virtue of
Turkey's denial of the Armenian Genocide.' She urged all Armenians and
elected officials to utilize their passion and power, along with
perseverance to stop the cycle of genocide forever.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Peter Cowe, Narekatsi
Professor of Armenian Studies at UCLA, and Turkish Publisher Ragip
Zarakolu served as keynote speakers.
Speaking about US Ambassador John Evan, Mayor Villaraigosa said
`Earlier this year, we witnessed a rare display of diplomatic
courage...John Evans spoke out about these crimes by stating the
obvious - he used the word `genocide.' And, for this, some are now
trying to end his career. They want to silence him. They want John
Evans recalled from his post.'
Among the many elected officials were Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez,
Congressman Adam Schiff, Member of the Board of Equalization John
Chiang, California State Senator Jack Scott, Assemblymembers Judy Chu,
Ron Calderon, Lynn Daucher, Jerome Horton, Carol Liu, along with a
host of other members of area City Councils.
Many who spoke pointed to the genocide in Darfur today and asked
whether the unpunished genocide of Armenians has not perpetuated the
cycle of genocide in the world.
FRESNO
Around four-hundred Fresno Armenians gathered at City Hall on April
22nd, for a joint Fresno ANCA-City Hall sponsored event that was
emceed by Councilman Tom Boyajian and featured Congressman George
Radanovich (R-CA), Congressman Jim Costa (D-CA), Assemblyman Juan
Arambula, ANCA-Fresno Chairworman Hygo Ohannessian, and Glendale City
Clerk Ardashes Kassakhian. As the keynote speaker, Kassakhian said
that it was not only an honor to speak in Fresno, the home of William
Saroyan and great heroes of the Armenian Cause such as General
Antranik and Soghomon Tehlirian, but also inspiring to see Congressmen
George Radanovich and Jim Costa as well as Assemblymember Arabuela,
and Mayor Autry on hand to promote Armenian Genocide recognition
efforts.
On Sunday, community members visited the Soghomon Tehlirian Monument
in the Massis Ararat Cemetery to honor Tehlirian and commemorate the
victims of the Armenian Genocide. ANCA-WR Board member Armen Martin
spoke of the persistent struggle in getting not only Turkey to
recognize the genocide, but also the United States that goes as far as
stifling a long-time career diplomat for his acknowledgment of the
Armenian Genocide. `As Americans we are outraged by this. As
Armenians, we are insulted by this,' Martin said, encouraging the
crowd to be ever vigilant in demanding recognition and justice for the
Armenian Genocide.
SAN FRANCISCO
The South (San Francisco) Bay Armenian community held a somber service
on April 23rd at St. Andrew Armenian Church in Cupertino. On the
following day, April 24th, the Mt. Davidson Cross was the site for a
requiem ceremony led by clergy of Bay Area Armenian churches. On
Tuesday, the Bay Area Armenian community rallied across from San
Francisco City Hall, where a commemoration program hosted by Mayor
Gavin Newsom was later held. Keynote speakers featured Dr. Antranig
Kasparian and Dr. Richard Hovanissian. Addressing the almost 600
community member and guests in attendance, Kasparian detailed the new
dimensions of Armenian-Turkish relations, stressing that gains may be
achieved by engaging Turkish society, while maintaining pressure from
the outside. Distinguished guests included Henry Morgenthau IV, great
grand-son of Ambassador Henry Morgenthau, Consul General of Greece
Xenia Stephanidou, Deputy Consul General of Russia Yuri Bedjanian, San
Francisco County Board Supervisors S! hawn Elsbernd and Aaron Peskin.
ARIZONA
The ANCA-Arizona chapter commemoration featured ANCA-WR Board member
Thomas Azaian who addressed the crowd of over 400 at the genocide
monument in Phoenix as part of the day's events which also featured an
Armenian Youth Federation-led march to the State Capitol. Azaian
touched on the pressure exerted on US Ambassador to Armenia John
Evans, since his proper acknowledgement of the Armenian Genocide this
past autumn. Rather than punishing the Ambassador, Azaian called on
President Bush to follow Evans' lead in properly acknowledging the
Armenian Genocide. Azaian stressed, however, that the goal of genocide
recognition is justice, not mere affirmation of a historical fact.
Emphasizing the Arizona Armenian community's strong leadership and
active youth, he noted, `They are ready to work and can deliver. There
is a lot of potential here.'
Arizona State House Representative Ted Carpenter was among those
participating in the commemoration program. Ani Shekerjian presented
Governor Janet Napolitano's proclamation in honor of the Armenian
Genocide.
NEW MEXICO
Glendale City Clerk and former ANCA-WR Executive Director Ardashes
Kassakhian, joined the Armenian Cultural Association (ACA) of New
Mexico for its commemoration in Albuquerque on April 23rd. The day's
events began with the placing of a memorial plaque and tree outside
the Albuquerque Museum, followed by a memorial service at the ACA's
community center.
In his keynote address, Kassakhian briefed the community on the
continued denial campaign waged by the Republic of Turkey and spoke of
their effectiveness in challenging this effort by reaching out to
elected officials.
Albuquerque resident A.J. Kerian presented Mayor Martin Chavez's
proclamation on the occasion of the commemoration.
Commenting on the event, Kassakhian said the efforts of the growing
community are impressive. `A proclamation is a strong indicator of
their success; I look forward to the future accomplishments of the New
Mexico Armenian American community as they work with organizations,
like the ANCA, to raise awareness within their communities regarding
issues of concern to all of us.'
MOUNTAIN STATES AND BEYOND
The ANCA-WR also participated in commemoration events in Las Vegas,
Nevada and Denver, Colorado. Back in Los Angeles, ANCA-WR leadership
addressed the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Armenian Society-organized
panel discussion regarding the Armenian Genocide and distributed
petitions at the `Izabelles Scar 2006' benefit/awareness concert,
featuring the apex theory, Harout Pamboukjian, the Freeway People, and
special guests John Dolmayan (System Of A Down), and poet/word-smith
Knowledge, among others. ANCA-Glendale Director Alina Azizian
delivered remarks on the occasion at an event organized by Bank of
America. ANCA leadership and members also joined the Armenian Youth
Federation for its annual protest in front of the Turkish Consulate in
Beverly Hills, California.
The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest and
most influential Armenian American grassroots political
organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices,
chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated
organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the
concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of
issues.
Editor's note: Photos attached.
Photo 1 caption: ANCA-WR board member Souzi Zerounian addressing the
Los Angeles City Council.
Photo 2 caption: Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti
presenting Los Angeles City Council resolution on the Armenian
Genocide.
Photo 3 caption: Armenian American community leaders and members with
Council President Eric Garcetti and Councilmember Dennis Zine.