County of Los Angeles Commemorates the Armenian Genocide

LOS ANGELES – On Tuesday, April 19, members of the Armenian Council of America joined Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, headed by Supervisor Michael Antonovich to commemorate the 96th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. During the commemoration Supervisor Antonovich presented the Armenian American community of Los Angeles with a proclamation signed by the Board of Supervisors commemorating the 96th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

The proclamation declares April 24, 2011 as a “Day of Remembrance for the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923” throughout the Los Angeles County in recognition of this 96th Anniversary to keep alive the memory of the victims while recognizing the importance of preventing future atrocities by inspiring discussion and understanding among future generations for the betterment of our community, country, and world.

In his remarks, Antonovich reiterated the need to remember the Armenian Genocide and honor its victims. “To this horrible tragedy, the Armenian community is committed to ensuring that those who died due to their faith, due to their nationality will not be forgotten and that on every April 24th, a day of remembrance of the Armenian Genocide will be recognized throughout the world,” stated Supervisor Antonovich “by consistently remembering and openly condemning these atrocities committed against the Armenians, out County once again demonstrates its sensitivity toward the need for the constant vigilance to prevent similar events in the future.”

In thanking Supervisor Antonovich, ACA Board Members Peter Darakjian, Mehran Khatchadourian, Yeghia Mazmanian noted the deep gratitude of the Armenian American community towards the County’s continued efforts of remembrance and recognition of the Armenian Genocide. “By continuously remembering the atrocities that transpired to the Armenian nation almost a century ago, the County of Los Angeles and its public officials continue to demonstrate the compassion that had been bestowed towards those Armenian refugees that found relief in Los Angeles as they escaped certain death by the Ottoman Turks.” said Yeghia Mazmanian.

“It is the same attributes conveyed by the Board of Supervisors that gives the Armenian American community solace that one day justice will prevail, and the Turkish government will come to terms with historical reality.” continued Mazmanian.

Also present at the commemoration were Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles, Krikor Hovhannissian, and Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian.