Armenian National Committee of Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada 89135
E-mail: arashirinian@cox.net
Web:
PRESS RELEASE
May 17, 2007
Contact: Ara Shirinian
E-mail: arashirinian@cox.net
Nevada ANC Joins Community in Commemoration of Armenian Genocide
— Representatives from Local, State and Federal Elected Officials Issue
Proclamations Recognizing the Armenian Genocide to Nevada Armenian Americans
Las Vegas, NV – On April 22, 2007, the Nevada ANC joined the Armenian
American community of the Silver State in marking the Armenian Genocide.
The community wide commemoration, which attracted hundreds of local Armenian
Americans, took place at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas.
Participating in the event were various elected officials, including Las
Vegas Councilwoman Lois Tarkanian, and representatives of Governor Jim
Gibbons, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Senator John Ensign,
Congresswoman Shelly Berkley, Congressman Jon Porter and Congressman Dean
Heller. All of Nevada’s federal, state and local officials that were on
hand presented proclamations recognizing the Armenian Genocide to the
Genocide Commemoration Chairman and Armenian community representative, Andy
Armenian. Danny Tarkanian served as Master of Ceremonies.
The commemoration was cohosted by the ANC of Nevada, the UNLV Armenian
Students Association, the Armenian American Cultural Society of Las Vegas,
the Armenian Apostolic Church of Las Vegas, Western Diocese, the Armenian
Apostolic Church of Las Vegas, Western Prelacy, the Armenian Evangelical
Church of Las Vegas, the Armenian Relief Society "Shoushi" Chapter and the
Homenetmen Scouts "Artsakh" Chapter.
The keynote speaker for the genocide commemoration was Andrew Kzirian,
Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America – Western
Region. Kzirian stressed the importance of persistence and perseverance in
ensuring that both houses of the United States Congress pass pending
legislation recognizing the Armenian Genocide.
In her remarks, Councilwoman Tarkanian commended the Armenian American
community for celebrating their culture and heritage and encouraged them to
continue to seek justice for the Armenian Genocide.
Kim Russell, Chairperson for the City of Las Vegas Arts Commission,
addressed attendees on future plans for a local Genocide Memorial Monument.
Ara Shirinian, Co-Chairman of the ANC of Nevada updated attendees on efforts
of the Armenian American community in designing and building the Genocide
Memorial Monument. Finally, Hrayr Dadaian received an award for his past
contributions and efforts in commemorating the Armenian Genocide in the
State of Nevada.
Throughout the commemoration ceremonies, there were recitations and
presentations by Saturday School Students of the ARS "Shoushi" Chapter,
Homenetmen Scouts "Artsakh" Chapter, and the Armenian Evangelical Church
Choir under the direction of Juan Karamanian.
In closing, the commemoration ended with a solemn Requiem by The Very Rev.
Father Asbed Balian, Pastor, the Armenian Apostolic Church of Las Vegas –
Western Diocese, Father Ashod Kambourian, Armenian Apostolic Church of Las
Vegas – Western Prelacy, and Dr. Kegham Tashjian, Pastor, Armenian
Evangelical Church of Las Vegas. The Armenian Evangelical Church Choir
assisted the trio in the closing service.
The Armenian National Committee of America 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.