PRESS RELEASE

ARMENIAN RELIEF SOCIETY OF WESTERN U.S.A., INC.
REGIONAL EXECUTIVE
517 W. Glenoaks Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91202-2812
Contact: Rita Hintlian
Email: Executive@ARSwestUSA.org
Telephone: (818) 500-1343
Fax: (818) 242-3732
Web Site:

100 YEARS OF DEVOTED SERVICE
The ARS Centennial Logo Unveiled In Glendale

GLENDALE, CA.- The Armenian Relief Society of Western USA was the host
of the event during which the Central Executive of the ARS unveiled
the ARS Centennial logo on November 12, 2009 at the ARS-WUSA
headquarters in Glendale. Over 200 people were present, while ARS
members and supporters from California, the East Coast and 26
countries followed the event on a live web-stream.

The festive environment was appreciated as the clergy, public
officials, representative from Armenian organizations and media, board
of trustee members, school principals, ARS supporters and ARS members
reached the center and walked over the red carpet. Three members of
the ARS Central Executive Board, who reside in California, were
present: Vicky Marashlian (Chair), and Rosie Bedrossian and Nova
Hindoyan (Advisors).

Arous Melkonian, Vice-Chair of the ARS-WUSA Regional Executive Board
made the welcoming remarks to this historic day and invited Mary
Melkonian to sing the anthems.

Sossie Poladian, Chair of the ARS-WUSA Regional Executive Board, noted
the significance of hosting the logo-unveiling event saying, `We
ponder on how the logo is with us when our members give their oath,
when our members work for decades with tireless conviction and
determination, and when our members leave this world. In effect, our
logo signifies our life in service of others.’

Vicky Marashlian, Chair of the ARS Central Executive Board, explained
that, `cognizant of the historic importance of this first Centenary,
the Central Executive Board felt the need of a special Centennial
logo.’ She added, that the ARS `stands with the same faith as its
legendary founders exhibited a century ago. It stands with the same
commitment and devotion, and its worldwide entities exhibited during
their countless humanitarian endeavors…’

Arch. Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, accompanied by Rev. Father Ardag
Demirdjian, started blessing of the logo with `Oorakh Ler’
(Rejoice). The three ARS Central Executive Board members and the
ARS-WUSA Regional Executive Chair participated in the ceremony and the
new logo was revealed, followed by a video animation, which had the
following slogan, `100 YEARS OF DEVOTED SERVICE’.

Central Executive member Nova Hindoyan announced that Ara Ter
Harutiunian of Toronto, Canada submitted the winning logo entry and
the animation was created by a Florida-based Producer, Bared
Maronian. She added that, `the most symbolic feature of the logo is
the rising flow of the 100-year service of the ARS, flowing like a
life-giving river springing from the slopes of Ararat and flowing
towards our countless communities linking the two segments of our
nation – Homeland to Diaspora, and Diaspora to Homeland.’

Sossie Poladian accompanied by Vicky Marashlian accepted Certificates
of Recognition from Talin Mangioglu, Field Representative for
California State Senator Carol Liu (21st District), and Suzy Jacobs,
Field Representative for Assistant Majority Leader, California
Assemblyman Paul Krekorian (43rd District). Jacobs also delivered a
California Assembly Resolution by Krekorian for the 25th anniversary
of the ARS of Western USA.

ARF Central Committee representative, Hovan Tashjian, congratulated
the ARS Centennial logo and praised the ARS for being a source of
inspiration and strength, and for being wherever the Armenian people
have endured hardships, as well as, won victories.

The ceremony ended with the blessings and congratulatory message by
His Eminence Arch. Moushegh Mardirossian. The Prelate noted that this
was a historic day and added, `I join you in the unveiling
ceremony. Service and relentless work, dedication and devotion, virtue
and mission, care and love characterize the ARS. This logo symbolizes
the centennial legacy and service of the ARS.’

Additional information about the ARS of Western USA is available on
.