Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
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PRESS RELEASE
March 5, 2009
Contact: Michael A Zachariades
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 393-3434
ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY HOSTS SUCCESSFUL NATIONAL ADVOCACY CONFERENCE AND
BANQUET
Washington, DC – Earlier this week, the Armenian Assembly of America, in
conjunction with its co-hosts, the Eastern and Western Dioceses of the
Armenian Church, the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), and in
cooperation with some 30 partner organizations, held its 2009 National
Advocacy Conference and Banquet in Washington, DC.
"The Assembly appreciates the support of our partner organizations,
benefactors, patrons, sponsors, and activists from across the nation,
who took part in this Conference and Banquet," stated Executive Director
Bryan Ardouny. "Our collective success reflects an ongoing commitment to
strengthen and expand U.S.-Armenia relations, as well as securing U.S.
reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide."
The Conference portion, held on Monday, March 2, which included panel
discussions and legislative training sessions, was designed to better
prepare activists to discuss issues with Washington’s most influential
decision makers. This was followed by Tuesday’s visits to Capitol Hill.
Monday’s program included remarks from Representatives Jim McGovern
(D-MA), Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI) and Brad Sherman (D-CA); Ms. Nancy
Kaufman, Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston; Mr.
Andrew Tarsy, Facing History and Ourselves Foundation; Ms. Kathryn
Porter, Leadership Council for Human Rights; Ms. Zaida Arguedas, League
of Women Voters; as well as an Armenian Genocide Photographic Exhibit by
Dr. Hilmar Kaiser.
Later that evening, Conference guests attended a special reception at
the future site of the Armenian Genocide Museum of America. Speaking
about the museum and its importance were Dr. Rouben Adalian, Director,
Armenian National Institute; Mr. Hayk Demoyan, Director, Armenian
Genocide Museum-Institute, Armenia; Mr. Shant Mardirossian, Chairman,
Near East Foundation; and presentations on Museum Development were made
by Martinez & Johnson Architecture and Gallagher & Associates.
The event culminated on March 3, with a banquet program led by Masters
of Ceremonies Rep. Zack Space (D-OH) and Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI). His
Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian delivered the invocation. The Arax
Armenian Dance Ensemble gave a special cultural performance. Her
Excellency Hranush Hakobyan, Minister of Diaspora Affairs for the
Republic of Armenia, was the special guest speaker. Major General Tod
Bunting delivered the keynote address, touching on the unique program of
cooperation between the Kansas National Guard and Armenia. The Assembly
was also honored that Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Mark
Kirk (R-IL), George Radanovich (R-CA), James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) and
Brad Sherman (D-CA) were among our distinguished guests.
In addition, the Assembly announced the creation of the Proxmire Award,
which recognizes Senator William Proxmire’s longstanding record in
highlighting the need for genocide prevention and education. Ms. Ellen
Proxmire, the wife of Senator Proxmire of Wisconsin, addressed the
Banquet attendees about the work of her husband and the creation and
significance of the Proxmire Award.
Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding
and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a 501(c) (3)
tax-exempt membership organization.
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NR#2009-013
Editor’s Note: The complete list of speakers and honored guests is
available here.
9_Q1/list_of_participants.pdf
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
