LA City Council Approves “Armenian Genocide Memorial Square”

LOS ANGELES – LA City Councilmembers voted unanimously on March 18, to approve a motion proposed by Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell to name the “Little Armenia” intersection of Hollywood Blvd and Western Ave “Armenian Genocide Memorial Square” and to erect memorial signs in the area, reported the Armenian Council of America (ACA)

Councilmember O’Farrell spoke of the thousands of Armenian-Americans who live in the “Little Armenia” District of Hollywood. He discussed the Armenian Genocide commemoration march that takes place every year, specifying that this year marks the centennial of the Armenian Genocide – the first Genocide of the twentieth century. “I propose that the intersection of this square will be a permanent reminder of the plight of the Armenian people, honoring the grandparents and great grandparents of the descendants of the Genocide,” he added.

Echoing the sentiments of Councilmember O’Farrell, Councilmembers Krekorian and Fuentes talked about the importance of reminding the public of historic tragedies so that they never happen again.

Valery Mkrtumian, Deputy Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles expressed his deep gratitude to the American people who rescued more than 100,000 Armenian orphans. “Today we are really proud of the valuable contribution of the Armenian people to the political landscape of the United States.” He thanked the City Council for proposing an important measure in an area that is the heart of the Armenian-American Diaspora.

Asking the Los Angeles City Councilmembers to support the Armenian Genocide Memorial Square, ACA Chairman Sevak Khatchadorian expressed his sentiments regarding the motion; “While the Republic of Turkey inexplicably and adamantly has denied the occurrence of Genocide, and continues to do so a full century since, public recognition and awareness such as the proposed Armenian Genocide Memorial Square have helped Turkish citizens come to terms with the historical fact that is the Armenian Genocide and confront their own government’s policy of denial.”

“The Armenian Council of America, and Armenians throughout the world thank Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, Councilmember Paul Krekorian and the Los Angeles City Council for continuously commemorating the Armenian Genocide,” continued Khatchadorian, “We support the Armenian Genocide Memorial Square and ask the City Council to do the same.”

The Armenian Council of America is a grassroots organization dedicated to working with all political leaders, offering Armenian related news, analysis and resources for policymakers, media, students and activists, advocating issues important to Armenian Americans. The Armenian Council of America aims to strengthen U.S. – Armenia and U.S. – Nagorno Karabakh ties, the development of programs promoting sustainable economic growth and good governance in Armenia, while promoting the values and responsibilities of global citizenship.