Armenian National Committee of Nevada
10651 Capesthorne Way
Las Vegas, Nevada 89135
Tel: (702) 496-4985
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
April 27, 2010
Contact: Ara Shirinian
Tel: (702) 496-4985
NEVADA COMMUNITY AND ELECTED OFFICIALS CALL FOR GENOCIDE RECOGNITION
LAS VEGAS, NV—The Armenian community of Nevada came together to
commemorate the 95th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide on April 24, 2010
hosting "A Celebration of Life," which recalled the accomplishments of the
Armenian people since 1915. The event was hosted by the Armenian National
Committee of Nevada in collaboration with other Armenian community
organizations of Las Vegas at the Christ Lutheran Church.
A capacity crowd of over 400 people filled the Church for the event which
featured guest speakers from the community and many prominent elected
officials, including the entire southern Nevada Congressional delegation.
The event was emceed by Pastor Sam Agulian.
In his remarks, Senator John Ensign noted his years of support for the
Armenian Genocide Resolution, and his signing of Senator Barbara Boxer’s
letter to President Obama demanding that President Obama acknowledge the
Armenian Genocide.
Congresswoman Shelly Berkley spoke strongly about the fact that now is the
time for the United States to officially acknowledge the Armenian Genocide,
and that she disagreed with the White House on its opposition.
Senator Harry Reid, the Senate Majority Leader, prepared a special video
greeting confirming his never-ending support for the passage of an Armenian
Genocide Congressional Resolution.
Also present were senior staff members of Congresswoman Dina Titus and
Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons as well as Las Vegas City Council Member Lois
Tarkanian all of whom presented proclamations commemorating the 95th
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
Senate Candidate Danny Tarkanian also spoke to the capacity crowd. If
elected, Mr. Tarkanian would be the first person of Armenian descent in the
United States Senate.
Keynote speaker for the event was Garbis Der Yeghiayan, President of
Mashdots College in Glendale, California. Dr. Der Yeghiayan, who holds
doctoral degrees from Northwestern University and the University of La
Verne, delivered a rousing and inspirational speech demanding justice for
the Armenian people which brought the audience to its feet.
Joining the ANC in organizing the event were Las Vegas chapters of the
Armenian American Cultural Society, the Armenian Youth Federation, the
Armenian Relief Society, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, and
Homenetmen as well as the UNLV Armenian Student Association, Saint Garabed
Armenian Apostolic Church, and the Armenian Evangelical Church and the
Armenian Evangelical Church, Las Vegas Chapter.
The Armenian National Committee of Nevada advances 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.