PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Assembly
May 7, 2010
Contact: Press Department
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 393-3434
ASSEMBLY BOARD MEMBER ANNIE TOTAH TO RECEIVE ELLIS ISLAND AWARD
Washington, DC – Annie Totah, a long-time member of the Armenian
Assembly’s Board and past Chairperson, will receive the 2010 Ellis
Island Medal of Honor, announced the Armenian Assembly of America
(Assembly).
"Annie is a dynamic, energetic and remarkable individual," stated the
Assembly’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Hirair Hovnanian.
"Annie’s dedication and leadership has been exemplary. On behalf of
the Board of Trustees, I congratulate Annie on being selected to
receive this distinguished honor," Hovnanian added.
Throughout her many years of outstanding service on the Assembly’s
Board, Annie spearheaded many important initiatives, including the
Assembly’s "Missions to Armenia," and numerous National Advocacy
Conferences and Galas, while effectively advocating with the Congress
and Administration to secure robust U.S. assistance to Armenia and
Nagorno Karabakh, fighting for affirmation of the Armenian Genocide
and maintaining Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act.
"It is with a great sense of humility that I accept the Ellis Island
Medal of Honor," stated Annie Totah. "I am grateful to my family and
friends who have supported me throughout the decades as I pursued
causes near and dear to my heart. I am particularly proud of the many
accomplishments of the Armenian Assembly and am fortunate to be part
of such a dedicated group of individuals, who work tirelessly for the
betterment of the Armenian people and nation," added Totah.
Established in 1986 by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations
(NECO), the Ellis Island Medal of Honor celebrates the richness and
diversity of American life and pays tribute to the ancestry groups
that comprise America’s unique cultural mosaic. Past Medalists include
six Presidents, as well as Nobel Prize winners and leaders of
industry, education, the arts, sports and government. Recognized by
the United States Senate and House of Representatives, the Ellis
Island Medal recipients are also read into the Congressional Record.
The 2010 recipients also include Adrienne G. Alexanian, Kevork D.
Atinizian, Sarkis Bedevian, Bedros S. Oruncakciel and Vartkes B.
Yeghiayan.
Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public
understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a
501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.