PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Youth Federation
Western United States
104 N. Belmont St. Suite 206
Glendale, CA 91206
Contact: Raffi Semerdjian
Tel: 818.507.1933
Fax: 818.240.3442
E-mail: ayf@ayfwest.org
Web:

Armenian Independence Day Picnic-Festival Attracts 1500

The Armenian American community of Southern California concluded its
Armenian Independence Day celebrations with a picnic-festival held at the
Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian Pre-School on Monday May 31st.

The picnic-festival officially began with the singing of the Armenian
National Anthem performed by Sose Keshishian. Thereafter singers Paul
Baghdadlian, Harout Hagopian, Nersik Ispirian, Joseph Krikorian, Ara
Sahagian, Sako, and Hovannes Shahbazian performed cultural and patriotic
songs for a mixed crowd of over 1500.

“We are honored to provide our community a vibrant venue through which they
can celebrate our first independence,” said Shant Baboujian, director of the
organizing committee. “While celebrating the victories of 1918 however, we
must always continue our work to overcome the many challenges our nation
faces today,” explained Baboujian.

Over 25 vendors lined the picnic field where they sold artwork, ceramics,
jewelry, T-shirts, clothes, and desserts. Community organizations including
the Armenian Relief Society, Homenetmen, ANCA, and Pyunic were also
available to disseminate organizational information to guests.

The picnic concluded at 8pm with the singing of Aruynod Trosh.

The Armenian Youth Federation Western United States serves Armenian American
communities west of the Mississippi through education, athletics, political
activism, cultural activities and social settings. To learn more about the
AYF please log on to

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