Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2005
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
Email: [email protected]
ASSEMBLY’S FIRST-EVER YOUNG LEADERSHIP MISSION ARRIVES IN ARMENIA
Assembly Leaders to Join Group
Yerevan, Armenia – After months of anticipation, the Assembly’s
Young Leadership Group has arrived in Yerevan for a 12-day excursion
that will include tours of historical sites, briefings by Armenian
government officials and several social events. Board of Directors
Chairman Anthony Barsamian and Executive Director Bryan Ardouny will
join the delegation which includes more than 50 young professionals,
former Assembly interns and families with children.
“This is the first Assembly Mission of its kind and we are honored
to give our young leaders this unique chance to experience their
ancestral home and heritage,” said Barsamian. “This trip will allow
us to see for ourselves the challenges facing Armenia and how each of
us, no matter our age, can help ensure a brighter future for Armenia.”
While in Armenia, Mission participants will attend several briefings
with Armenian government and U.S. Embassy officials, and also meet with
His Holiness Karekin II. The group will visit several historical sites
including Khor Virab, Holy Etchmiadzin, Garni, Geghard, Sardarabad,
the Genocide Museum and Memorial, attend several musical concerts
and performances in Yerevan and enjoy authentic Armenian cuisine at
several area restaurants.
Children ages five through fifteen will have the opportunity to meet
new friends in Armenia and tour the country in a safe and controlled
environment through the Assembly’s “Camp Yerevan” program. The program
includes a series of age specific activities that will allow youngsters
to truly enjoy Armenia’s rich culture and heritage.
Sheryl Santerian, who is traveling with her parents ages 74 and 81,
and her two teenage daughters, ages 17 and 19, says she’s grateful the
Assembly organized a trip to meet the various interests of her family.
“We appreciate that the Assembly recognized the need for families to
make the trip to Armenia together, and designed this trip with that
in mind,” said Santerian. “I’m already looking forward to making a
return trip with my husband and son in a few years.”
Barsamian also added that later this year, the Assembly will return
to Armenia with Board of Directors Member and Mission Chair Annie
Totah who will be leading the 10th annual Trustees Mission to Armenia
and Karabakh.
“Annie has done a terrific job in making the Mission a truly memorable
experience for so many of our members and supporters throughout the
years,” said Barsamian. “We commend her on this milestone anniversary
and thank our supporters for the continued interest in these trips.”
The Trustees Mission to Armenia and Karabakh is scheduled for October
19 through November 1. For additional trip information or to make your
reservations, please contact the Armenian Assembly at (202) 393-3434.
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness
of Armenian issues. It is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt membership
organization.
NR#2005-071
Photograph available on Assembly Web site at the following link:
CAPTION: During their first full day in Armenia, the Assembly’s
Young Leadership Group Mission took a bus tour of Yerevan, stopping
along the way to pose for a group picture on the steps of the Mother
Armenia Statue overlooking the capital city.
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