ACA Attends “Armenians in America” Freedom 250 Event at the Organization of American States

WASHINGTON, DC — The Armenian Council of America (ACA) joined Armenian American community leaders, U.S. policymakers, and international partners at the “Armenians in America” Freedom 250 event, held at the Organization of American States in Washington, DC. The event, co-hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia to the United States and the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), recognized the enduring contributions of Armenian Americans to the United States and their role in advancing shared democratic values.

ACA Board Chairman Sevak Khatchadorian and Executive Director of Government Relations Taniel Koushakjian attended the program, which brought together distinguished leaders from across the U.S. government, Washington diplomatic corps, and the Armenian American community.

The program opened with an invocation by Rev. Fr. Untzag Nalbandian, pastor of Holy Ascension Armenian Church of Trumbull, Connecticut, who also conveyed messages of welcome and friendship from Archbishop Hovnan Derderian of the Western Diocese and Archbishop Mesrop Parsamyan of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America. The children’s choir of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church of Washington, DC performed the national anthems of the United States and the Republic of Armenia.

Haig Ariyan, AGBU Central Board Member, served as Master of Ceremonies.

The program featured remarks from Ambassador Narek Mkrtchyan, AGBU Central Board President Sam Simonian, AGBU Vice President Arda Haratunian, Freedom 250 CEO Keith Krach, and U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Jeffrey Kessler, each highlighting the Armenian American community’s contributions to America’s civic life, economic development, and democratic resilience.

The event also paid special tribute to Armenian Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, underscoring their longstanding commitment to the defense of the United States. Guests were presented with a commemorative reproduction of the Armenian General Benevolent Union’s 1951 publication, Our Boys, a comprehensive collection documenting Armenian American servicemen and women of World War II, their military careers and their stories during wartime.

“Events like this underscore the longstanding and strategic relationship between the United States and Armenia, rooted not only in shared interests but in shared values,” said Taniel Koushakjian, ACA Executive Director of Government Relations in Washington, DC. “Armenian Americans have played a significant role in shaping American civic and economic life, and that legacy continues to enhance the mosaic of American society today.”

The event was held as part of the Freedom 250 initiative, which commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States and highlights the contributions of diverse communities to the nation’s founding principles and enduring strength.

The Armenian Council of America remains committed to advancing policies that strengthen U.S.-Armenia relations, promote human rights, and elevate the role of Armenian Americans in public life.