LOS ANGELES MAYOR ANTONIO VILLARAIGOSA RECEIVES ANC-WR’S "MAN OF THE YEAR" AWARD
armradio.am
16.10.2008 11:14
More than 1000 supporters of the Armenian National Committee – Western
Region (ANC-WR) gathered at the organization’s annual banquet held
at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California
to celebrate the achievements of the past year.
Public officials joined members of the community in honoring Democratic
Vice-Presidential Candidate Senator Joseph Biden, Los Angeles Mayor
Antonio Villaraigosa, President Ronald Reagan and long time ANC
supporter Mrs.
Ashkhen Pilavjian. Honorary chairs of the event included Congressmen
Adam Schiff, George Radanovich, Ed Royce, Congresswoman Jackie Speier
and several others.
"This year’s banquet provided an opportunity for the Armenian American
community’s supporters and human rights activists to reflect on
the past year," said ANC-WR Executive Director Andrew Kzirian. "The
Ronald Reagan Presidential library offered a unique perspective on
our community’s challenges and achievements as President Reagan was
the last sitting President to properly characterize the Armenian
Genocide," he added.
The recipient of the ANC-WR’s "Man of the Year" Award, Mayor
Villaraigosa addressed the sold out venue and discussed the importance
of grassroots activism, reiterating his support for the Armenian
American community.
"What happened in 1915 was not simply the unfortunate collateral
damage =0 Aof a civil war, but the systematic and inhuman genocide of
a people. And friends, I hope that next year this charade that has
lasted almost a century will enter its final act so that we can all
move forward on the issues critical to ensuring peace and prosperity
for the next 100 years," Mayor Villaraigosa said.
In 2007, Villaraigosa received a series of denialist publications
from the Turkish Consul General of Los Angeles and a letter which
sought to pressure the Mayor to not support Armenian Genocide
recognition efforts. In response, Mayor Villaraigosa donated the
books to the ANC-WR for educational purposes along with a letter
to the Turkish Consul General reiterating his support for Armenian
Genocide recognition.
"Like so many of you, I have written letter after letter supporting
Congressman Adam Schiff’s Armenian Genocide Recognition bill," he said.
"After a letter urging a vote on H. Res. 106, last year the Turkish
Consulate kindly sent me two books to teach me ‘the truth’ about what
happened in 1915. Now, I know I’m not the first politician to say this,
but I had no problem saying, ‘Thanks, but no thanks’ for those books
to nowhere."
Senator Biden was also honored with the prestigious Freedom Award for
his steadfast support of the Armenian American community dating back
to his first days in public office. As Chairman of the United States
Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Biden has cosponsored numerou
s Armenian Genocide resolutions and most recently presided over the
confirmation hearing of Ambassador Marie L. Yovanovitch. Accepting the
award on his behalf was Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA) who expressed
that the Senator was humbled to be honored and would continue to be
an advocate for issues relating to Armenian Americans.
Also honored was long time community activist and supporter Ashkhen
Pilavjian who accepted the "Legacy Award" for her remarkable commitment
and dedication to the Armenian American community. Over the years,
Pilavjian has vigorously supported several Armenian organizations
including the Western Prelacy, Armenian Cultural Foundation, Armenian
National Committee, Homenetmen, Armenian Relief Society as well as
many Armenian Schools. Pilvajian’s diligent efforts are truly admirable
and she has been instrumental in support of the community’s growth.
On behalf of the Reagan Family, Executive Director of the Ronald Reagan
Presidential Library Duke Blackwood accepted the "Woodrow Wilson
Award" for President Reagan’s courageous and principled affirmation
of recognizing the Armenian Genocide following his election to the
presidency in 1980.
President Reagan was the last U.S. President to properly characterize
the Armenian Genocide.