LOS ANGELES, CA- The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region (ANCA-WR) welcomes the introduction of Assembly Concurrent Resolution 126 (ACR 126), introduced by California Assembly Majority Leader Charles Calderon (D-58) on March 13, 2012. This measure requests that the Department of Transportation erect informational signs on State Highway Route 210 in the County of Los Angeles directing motorists to the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America.

The resolution would not only aid in nurturing the traditions and values of over one million Armenian Americans in California, Nevada, Colorado, Utah, Oregon, Arizona, and beyond, it will also attract thousands of motorists and tourists from all over the world. “ACR 126 symbolizes the pivotal role that the church plays in helping build and cultivate the Armenian-American community across the Golden State and beyond, as well as the importance of preserving the community’s rich religious history,” said Nora Hovsepian, chairperson of the ANCA-WR.

In 2010, State Assembly Majority Leader Charles Calderon (D-58) announced the passage of a similar resolution, ACR 148, in the California State Legislature. The passage of ACR 148 called on the Department of Transportation to erect information signs on Highway 60 in Los Angeles County directing motorists to the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Monument and highlights the Monument as a beacon of awareness for crimes against humanity. On April 15, 2010, the State Assembly voted unanimously in favor of ACR 148, and the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Monument freeway sign was installed on April 1, 2011.

The Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America was established in 1973. The mission of the Western Prelacy is to preserve and foster the faith, heritage, traditions, culture, and national values of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The Legislature recognizes the importance of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America to the people of California.

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

Special Message: On May 20, the 2012 ANCA Telethon will bring thousands of people together from coast to coast in support of the educational, charitable, and civic involvement programs of the ANCA Endowment Fund. Be a part of the excitement! To learn more, visit www.ancatelethon.org.