Los Angeles Mayor Villiraigosa commemorates Armenian Genocide with
Armenian American community
armradio.am
26.04.2008 11:25
April 24, 2008 marked the 93rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
Several events took place on this solemn day and were attended by
elected officials, dignitaries and members of the Armenian American
Community. The community gathered at the Armenian Genocide Monument in
Montebello in the morning and continued the commemoration until the
evening at the Glendale Civic Auditorium.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Council President Pro Tempore
Wendy Greuel, California State Senator Jack Scott, Assembly Member Paul
Krekorian, Chairwoman of the California Board of Equalization Judy Chu
and Consul General of Armenia in Los Angeles Armen Liloyan participated
in the day’s events and conveyed their messages of hope to the Armenian
American community.
"Turkey’s attempted gag rule on the United States highlights the
importance of commemorating the Armenian Genocide," stated Andrew
Kzirian, Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee Western
Region. "As genocide continues today in Darfur, we must raise awareness
of why and how denial and obfuscation enables perpetrators of genocide
today," he added.
Thousands of Armenian Americans came together in Montebello and laid
flowers at the Armenian Genocide Monument. Leading the way were
Villaraigosa, Greuel, clergy and dignitaries followed by members of the
community. During their remarks, the Mayor and Council Member Greuel
noted the importance of remembering and recognizing the Armenian
Genocide year after year in hopes of one day ending the vicious cycle
of genocide.
In the evening, community leaders and members took part in the Armenian
Genocide Commemoration at the Glendale Civic Auditorium where Senator
Scott, Assembly Member Krekorian, Chairwoman Chu and Consul General
Liloyan expressed their concerns to the entirely filled auditorium
regarding Turkey’s continual denial of the Armenian Genocide and
stressed the significance of genocide commemoration each year in order
to send a message to the United States government to officially
recognize this crime against humanity.