YOUTH RALLY IN CALIFORNIA AHEAD OF ANNUAL GENOCIDE PROTEST

armradio.am
18.04.2009 13:29

With a week left to the annual day of commemoration for the Armenian
Genocide, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) and the ARF Shant Student
Association (SSA) are once again joining to organize an annual youth
rally to unite and ignite the community around the memory of its
martyred ancestors and their longing for freedom.

The keynote speaker of the evening will be California State Assemblyman
Anthony Portantino, who has been a long time supporter of the Armenian
community and works closely with the Armenian National Committee
in Pasadena. The Rally will also feature musical performances from
local artists, as well as speeches by various community and student
group leaders.

"The evening’s goal is to raise awareness of the injustices that exist
in the world, focusing on the first genocide of the 20th century,
the Armenian Genocide," said Armen Aboulian, the chairman of the SSA.

"We use this opportunity and this date not only as a day to renew
our struggle for justice, but also as a day to take a solid stance
in investing in the future of the Armenian people."

"We are true believers that the only way to predict our future, is to
make it ourselves," he added. "In looking at our past and considering
what our forefathers have endured, we feel a responsibility, almo st
an obligation to make our future in such a way that makes the dreams
of the Armenian people come true."