Armenian National Committee of Fresno-Central California
PO Box 626
Fresno, California 93709
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: (559) 233-2315
PRESS RELEASE
April 28, 2010
Contact: Hygo Ohannessian
Tel: 559 233 2315
FRESNO COMMUNITY COMMEMORATES ARMENIAN GENOCIDE AT CITY HALL
FRESNO, CA—On Saturday, April 24th, the Armenian National Committee of
Fresno-Central California (ANC Central CA) commemorated the 95th Anniversary
of the Armenian Genocide with its annual "Walk for Remembrance" which
culminated at Fresno City Hall. There, the over 500 local residents were
joined by city officials and community leaders to pay homage to the victims
and call for Congressional recognition of this crime against humanity.
"Today we are gathered to pay homage to those that gave the ultimate
sacrifice and celebrate those that were able to survive — and to those of
us that are members of the diaspora, to make certain that we educate the
next generation," remarked Fresno City Council Member Andreas Borgeas who
served as the event’s emcee.
He was joined by US Representative Jim Costa (CA-20-D) who recalled his
efforts to urge Turkey to confront its genocidal past.
The community keynote address was delivered by former ANC regional Board
Member and Chairperson Raffi Hamparian. He reminded those gathered of the
community’s responsibility to the few remaining survivors to continue to the
fight for recognition and justice.
As part of its weekend commemoration events, the Fresno Armenian community
also hosted a lecture by Dr. Taner Akcam at Saint Paul Armenian Church.
The Armenian National Committee of Fresno-Central California 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.