A.R.F. Shant Student Association
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 306
Glendale, California 91206
Tel: 818-462-3006
E-Mail: ssa@arfshant.org
Website:
PRESS RELEASE
April 23, 2007
PASADENA, CA – On the evening of Friday, April 20th, 2007, nearly 700
guests attended the "Youth Rally for Recognition" organized by the
Armenian Revolutionary Federation Shant Student Association (ARF
Shant) and sponsored by the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF). An
annual tradition, the Rally was held at the Pasadena Armenian Center
this year.
Armenian National Committee Western Region Executive Director Andrew
Kzirian, Esq. served as the Master of Ceremonies. The Rally’s keynote
address was delivered by Mr. Mourad Topalian, former Chairman of the
Armenian National Committee of Armenia. In an emotional speech,
Mr. Topalian spoke about the importance of maintaining Armenian
cultural identity in a society where freedom and liberty are both
blessings and catalysts to assimilation. He also recalled a deeply
personal childhood memory from his father, who instilled in him the
significance of remembering the martyrs of the Armenian Genocide and
struggling for justice.
On behalf of ARF Shant and the AYF, the address to the youth was given
by Caspar Jivalagian. In his fiery speech, heralded by an original
ARF Shant video production in which he was the protagonist, Caspar
reiterated that the youth will never cede struggling for universal
recognition of the Armenian Genocide. He went on to say that
generations of Armenians will continue to intensify their activities
until Turkey has been forced to provide recognition, restitution, and
reparations for the massive crime against all of humanity.
The Rally’s attendees were also shown footage of an Armenian Genocide
survivor, who provided a personal first-hand account of the tragedies
that befell the entire Armenian nation. The Rally was adorned with
performances by singers Harout Hagopian, Arax Garabedian, Sossie
Mardirosyan, Daniel Decker, Armen Hovhanessyan and narrator Nune
Avetisyan.
The evening’s program was concluded with an electrifying performance
of Armenian patriotic and revolutionary songs by Harout Jekelian.
The mission of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation "Shant" Student
Association (ARF Shant) is to bring a higher level of political and
cultural awareness to Armenian students within American Universities
and institutions of higher learning. The ARF Shant’s goal is to work
side by side with the Armenian Student Associations and other Armenian
Student organizations to further the Armenian Cause.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress