WATERTOWN, MA — Members of Congress will join the Armenian American community in the 8th Annual ANCA Capitol Hill Observance of the Armenian Genocide. The Observance, co-hosted by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and US Representative Jim McGovern (D-MA), and sponsored by the Armenian National Committee of America Eastern Region, Western Region, and Washington DC, will take place on Wednesday, April 17, in the Gold Room of the Rayburn House Office Building (Rm. 2168). The program will begin at 6:00 pm.

The ANCA’s Annual Capitol Hill Observance provides Members of Congress the opportunity to commemorate the Armenian Genocide with members of the Armenian American community. Senator Reed and Representative McGovern, this year’s key co-hosts, have been consistent supporters of issues of special concern to Armenian Americans, especially initiatives that recognize and commemorate the Armenian Genocide.

Last year’s Observance was enhanced when Senator Robert Dole was presented with the ANCA Freedom Award for Lifetime Achievement. Senator Dole, a steadfast supporter of initiatives to properly recognize and commemorate the Armenian Genocide, consistently introduced legislation to ensure that the United States properly recognize and commemorate the Armenian Genocide.

Also attending last year’s annual observance were Senators Joe Lieberman (D-CT), Paul Sarbanes (D-MD), Arlen Specter (R-PA), and George Allen (R- VA), and, from the House, Congressional Armenian Caucus Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ), International Relations Middle East Subcommittee Chairman Ben Gilman (R-NY), Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Representatives Xavier Becerra (D-CA), Eric Cantor (R-VA), Joseph Crowley (D-NY), Barney Frank (D-MA), Mike Honda (D-CA), Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), Jim Langevin (D-RI), Sander Levin (D-MI), Michael McNulty (D-NY), Connie Morella (R-MD), Steven Rothman (D-NJ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Brad Sherman (D-CA), and Mark Souder (R-IN). The Republic of Armenia’s Ambassador to the United States, Armen Kirakossian and Nagorno Karabagh Representative Vardan Barseghian were also present, as were a number of dignitaries from several foreign embassies.

Joining Armenian Americans and Members of Congress this year will be survivors of the Armenian Genocide, members of the diplomatic community, and leaders of human rights organizations.

The Armenian American community is cordially invited to join Members of Congress in marking the 87th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

For further information, contact the Armenian National Committee of America Eastern Region (80 Bigelow Ave., Watertown, MA 02472; 617-923-1918/Fax 617-926-5525; email ancaer@mediaone.net).

The Armenian National Committee of America is the largest and most influential Armenian-American grassroots political organization. The ANCA actively advances a broad range of issues of concern to the Armenian-American community.

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