Glendale, CA – Armenian Genocide Survivor Ghazaros Kademian recently celebrated his 100th birthday by sharing a generous donation with the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR). The donation will provide the ANCA-WR the resources to continue its Armenian Genocide educational awareness programs across the Western United States.

In a May 18, 2005 statement submitted to the Congressional Record, Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA-29) honored Ghazaros Kademian, a resident of Glendale, California. Kademian was only six years old when his family was forced into exile from their homeland in the village of Zeitoun. Kademian’s mother saved him and his siblings by fleeing the oncoming slaughter of the Ottoman Turks.

“The ANCA-WR is honored that Ghazaros Kademian, a hero of the Armenian people, a survivor of the Armenian Genocide, has become one of our sponsors,” explained ANCA-WR Executive Director Andrew Kzirian. His generosity reflects his determination that our common story be told, with clarity, to our fellow Americans,” Kzirian added.

Having survived the genocide, Kademian went on to marry an Armenian girl named Azadouhi and had three children, Ohanes, Asdghig and Anahid. He is also the proud to have seven grandchildren, all of whom know his remarkable story of faith, dedication and survival. On April 29, 2007 the family of Ghazaros Kademian celebrated his 100th birthday by inviting his friends and family to mark the wonderful occasion. Among those present at the celebration held in Glendale were Congressman Adam Schiff, Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian and ANCA-WR Chairman Raffi Hamparian.

The Armenian National Committee of America is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

Photo caption: Armenian Genocide Survivor Ghazaros Kademian.