ARS Marks Year of Service

The Armenian Relief Society of Western USA’s Night of Recognition on Sunday, April 10, 2016 served as an opportune time for the ARS Regional Executive to commend members and ARS one-day school teachers, alongside two of its vital programs: ARS Social Services and the Child, Youth, and Family Guidance Center, following the declaration of 2016 being declared as the Year of Service by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I.

Over 400 members and supporters gathered at the Brandview Banquest Hall in Glendale for this memorable event, which included guests such as ARS Central Executive Board members Maral Matossian and Rita Hintlian, as well as the City of Glendale’s newly elected Mayor Paula Devine.

ARS member Sona Madarian, Chairperson of the ARS School Board of Regents, served as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. The American and Armenian national anthems were performed by singer Ara Sahagian, followed by a collective and heartwarming singing of the ARS anthem by members in attendance.

Thereafter, guests were invited to observe a moment of silence in memory of each and every civilian and soldier, who lost their lives after the recent attacks on Artsakh by Azerbaijan. Madarian’s welcoming remarks conveyed the objective of the event and extended special thanks to all ARS members, who serve their people both in the Diaspora and Homeland. She called on attendees to stand in solidarity with Artsakh and to lend their immediate support. Affirming Artsakh’s sovereignty and its people’s right to self-determination Madarian stated, “We will not secede ‘one inch of land.’â€