PRESS RELEASE
Office of Assemblymember Portantino
Wendy Gordon
626.720.3409 mobile
626.577.9944 office
CONTACT: Hovanes Gasparian
April 19,2012
Assemblymember Anthony Portantino and Staff Commemorate Armenian Genocide
Beginning last Sunday night at the University of Southern California
Armenian Studies Institute gala, where a $7 million dollar endowment
for the Armenian Studies department was announced and celebrated,
Assemblymember Anthony Portantino and District Representative Hovanes
Gasparian began the solemn celebration of Genocide week in California
. On Thursday, Portantino joined Assemblymember Katcho Achadjian in
presenting HR 27 on the floor of the State Assembly. "I was humbled
and moved to join my friend Katcho in commemorating the 97th year
since these heinous acts were committed against a proud people,"
commented Portantino. Portantino also co-authored SJR 23, presented in
the Senate by Senator Joe Simitian.
The ceremony was followed by the screening of Dr. Kay Mouradian's
poignant film about her mother's story of survival during the Armenian
Genocide, titled "My Mother's Voice." Dr. Mouradian is a constituent
whose moving film tells a story we can all share.
On the evening of April 23, Portantino's legislative representative
for Armenian outreach, Hovanes Gasparian, will serve as the Master of
Ceremonies for the Armenian Genocide Commemoration to be held at
Bicknell Park in Montebello. Tenie Khachikian from Portantino's
office will be attending a Candlelight Vigil and Service at
St. Gregory's in Pasadena, which takes place concurrently with the
event in Montebello. On April 24, Mr. Gasparian will attend
additional Genocide Commemorations in both Pasadena and Montebello.
"I am blessed to join my friends and colleagues, Hovanes and Tenie, in
recognizing the first genocide of the 20th century and I implore our
country to follow California's lead, sending a message that living in
denial serves no one and disrespects an entire culture and people.
Certainly, Hovanes and Tenie have personal and family stories that
make this day and week heartfelt and significant for them and their
families. I wish them and all Californians of Armenian descent well
as we remember and commit to always remembering the tragedy of
1915,"concluded Portantino.
Office of Assemblymember Portantino
Wendy Gordon
626.720.3409 mobile
626.577.9944 office
CONTACT: Hovanes Gasparian
April 19,2012
Assemblymember Anthony Portantino and Staff Commemorate Armenian Genocide
Beginning last Sunday night at the University of Southern California
Armenian Studies Institute gala, where a $7 million dollar endowment
for the Armenian Studies department was announced and celebrated,
Assemblymember Anthony Portantino and District Representative Hovanes
Gasparian began the solemn celebration of Genocide week in California
. On Thursday, Portantino joined Assemblymember Katcho Achadjian in
presenting HR 27 on the floor of the State Assembly. "I was humbled
and moved to join my friend Katcho in commemorating the 97th year
since these heinous acts were committed against a proud people,"
commented Portantino. Portantino also co-authored SJR 23, presented in
the Senate by Senator Joe Simitian.
The ceremony was followed by the screening of Dr. Kay Mouradian's
poignant film about her mother's story of survival during the Armenian
Genocide, titled "My Mother's Voice." Dr. Mouradian is a constituent
whose moving film tells a story we can all share.
On the evening of April 23, Portantino's legislative representative
for Armenian outreach, Hovanes Gasparian, will serve as the Master of
Ceremonies for the Armenian Genocide Commemoration to be held at
Bicknell Park in Montebello. Tenie Khachikian from Portantino's
office will be attending a Candlelight Vigil and Service at
St. Gregory's in Pasadena, which takes place concurrently with the
event in Montebello. On April 24, Mr. Gasparian will attend
additional Genocide Commemorations in both Pasadena and Montebello.
"I am blessed to join my friends and colleagues, Hovanes and Tenie, in
recognizing the first genocide of the 20th century and I implore our
country to follow California's lead, sending a message that living in
denial serves no one and disrespects an entire culture and people.
Certainly, Hovanes and Tenie have personal and family stories that
make this day and week heartfelt and significant for them and their
families. I wish them and all Californians of Armenian descent well
as we remember and commit to always remembering the tragedy of
1915,"concluded Portantino.