ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY HONORS REP. RON KLEIN DURING ITS ANNUAL BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

armradio.am
31.03.2008 10:55

Highlighting 36 years of activism, the Armenian Assembly of America
held its Annual Trustees Meeting in Boynton Beach, Florida. Congressman
Ron Klein (D-FL), the Assembly’s honored guest, discussed the
importance of congressional passage of the Armenian Genocide Resolution
(H. Res. 106), which reaffirms the Armenian Genocide and recalls the
proud history of U.S. intervention in preventing the crimes and aiding
those that survived.

"I believe that we must learn from the lessons of our past and that we
must work to make sure that history’s most tragic events will never
repeat themselves," Klein said, adding that the United States cannot
make excuses for genocide.

"I voted to recognize the Armenian Genocide," Klein added. "I plan
to support this resolution when it comes before the full House of
Representatives, and I will work to further passage of this important
resolution."

Executive Director Bryan Ardouny presented Klein with an award
in appreciation of his leadership and commitment to the Armenian
community of Florida and for reaffirming the historical truth of the
Armenian Genocide.

Board of Trustees Chairman Hirair Hovnanian opened the morning
business meeting, welcoming trustees and introducing two new Board
Members – Peter Kezerian, Jr. of Pasadena, CA and Rachel Kaprielian
of Watertown, MA.

In addition to Kezerian and Kaprielian, Van Krikorian, Anthony
Barsamian, Lisa Kalustian, and Noubar Afeyan were re-elected. Assembly
members voted for the Board of Trustees slate by mail ballot in
December.

Hovnanian outlined major developments relative to the Armenian Genocide
Museum of America (AGMA), after which Krikorian, as chairman of the
AGMA Building and Operations Committee, provided an overview of the
architecture and exhibit designs before presenting a video of the
current plans for the facility.

Also officially announced was the Assembly’s partnership with the
Congress of Canadian Armenians (CCA), a Montréal-based organization
which serves as a united voice in promoting Armenian issues to the
Canadian public. Hovnanian introduced CCA

Chairperson and President Taro Alepian and Vice-Chairperson Pierre
Akkelian, who welcomed the partnership with the Assembly and briefly
discussed their organization’s vision and mission.

Board of Trustees Treasurer Edele Hovnanian also reviewed the
Assembly’s 2007 budget while Armenia Tree Project Founder Carolyn
Mugar and Director of Advancement Robert Surabian reported on the
activities of the organization over the last year.

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