Armenian National Committee – Nevada
Las Vegas, NV 89135
PRESS RELEASE
April 28, 2009
Contact: Ara Shirinian
Email: [email protected]
Nevada Armenians Commemorate Armenian Genocide
Las Vegas, NV – The Las Vegas Armenian community commemorated the 94th
Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide before a capacity audience at the
University of Nevada, Las Vegas on April 19, 2009. Hriyr `John’
Dadaian, the Commemoration’s long-time Master of Ceremonies, welcomed
for the first time, Las Vegas’ new Congresswoman, Dina Titus.
Congresswoman Titus, a Greek-American, was elected this past November
with the strong support of the Armenian community of Las Vegas.
Congresswoman Titus spoke passionately about the suffering of the
Armenian people at the hands of the Ottoman Empire during the first
genocide of the 20th century. Congresswoman Titus pledged her
unqualified support for full recognition of the Armenian Genocide by
the United States, and stated that, `the Armenian American community
has a friend in me,’ during her remarks.
The Commemoration also featured keynote speaker Sarig Armenian of the
Armenian National Committee. Ms. Armenian noted that: `America’s
stand against genocide should not be treated as a political commodity
to be bartered or retreated from under pressure, but rather as a core
American moral value, one to be advanced regardless of the political
cost.’ Ms. Armenian further stated that, `our grassroots community
movement is not simply an Armenian one, but rather an American one
destined to change America, and the United States’ response to
genocide.’
Nevada United States Senators Harry Reid (D-NV), the Majority Leader,
and John Ensign (R-NV), in bi-partisan fashion, spoke at the
Commemoration together via a prepared videotaped message. Both
Senators spoke of their commitment to Congressional passage of the
Armenian Genocide Resolution this year, and pledged their continued
support for the Armenian people. Other dignitaries making
presentations included Mayor Oscar Goodman, whose office presented a
proclamation honoring the Armenian Genocide.
Mr. Abe Kassamanian spoke to the capacity audience about the
significant progress that the Armenian American Cultural Society is
making in the building of an Armenian Genocide Monument at the new
Memorial Park of Las Vegas, right in the geographic center of Las
Vegas. The Commemoration also featured a musical presentation by
Herman Brumm, a violin virtuoso, and a compelling historical video
presentation prepared by the Armenian Students Association. The
Homenetmen Scouts of Las Vegas led the flag presentation and national
anthem.
The Las Vegas annual Armenian Genocide Commemoration is sponsored by
the Armenian American Cultural Society. Participants in this year’s
event included the UNLV Students Association, the Armenian National
Committee, the Armenian Relief Society – Shoushi Chapter, the ARF –
Ishkhan Chapter, the AYF – Sosse Mayrig Chapter, Homenetmen Las Vegas
– Artsakh Chapter, and the TREX Fraternity – Las Vegas Chapter.
Churches participating in the event included the Armenian Apostolic
Church of Las Vegas Western Diocese, the Armenian Church of Las Vegas
Western Prelacy, the Armenian Evangelical Church of Las Vegas, and the
Armenian Evangelical Fellowship of Las Vegas. Pastor Sam Agulian and
Father Serop Azarian gave the opening invocation and Pastor Nerses
Kopolyan gave the benediction.
ANC of Nevada advocates for the social, economic, cultural, and
political rights of the area’s Armenian American community and
promotes increased Armenian American civic participation at the
grassroots and public policy levels.