Watch April 24th News Coverage LA: Armenian Genocide March LA: Armenians March for Genocide Recognition Fresno: Armenians Commemorate Genocide AnnenbergTV (USC): Armenian Remembrance

LOS ANGELES, CA – April 24, 2008 marked the 93rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Several events took place on this solemn day and were attended by elected officials, dignitaries and members of the Armenian American Community. The community gathered at the Armenian Genocide Monument in Montebello in the morning and continued the commemoration until the evening at the Glendale Civic Auditorium.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Council President Pro Tempore Wendy Greuel, California State Senator Jack Scott, Assembly Member Paul Krekorian, Chairwoman of the California Board of Equalization Judy Chu and Consul General of Armenia in Los Angeles Armen Liloyan participated in the day’s events and conveyed their messages of hope to the Armenian American community.

“Turkey’s attempted gag rule on the United States highlights the importance of commemorating the Armenian Genocide,” stated Andrew Kzirian, Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee Western Region. “As genocide continues today in Darfur, we must raise awareness of why and how denial and obfuscation enables perpetrators of genocide today,” he added.

Thousands of Armenian Americans came together in Montebello and laid flowers at the Armenian Genocide Monument. Leading the way were Villaraigosa, Greuel, clergy and dignitaries followed by members of the community. During their remarks, the Mayor and Council Member Greuel noted the importance of remembering and recognizing the Armenian Genocide year after year in hopes of one day ending the vicious cycle of genocide.

In the evening, community leaders and members took part in the Armenian Genocide Commemoration at the Glendale Civic Auditorium where Senator Scott, Assembly Member Krekorian, Chairwoman Chu and Consul General Liloyan expressed their concerns to the entirely filled auditorium regarding Turkey’s continual denial of the Armenian Genocide and stressed the significance of genocide commemoration each year in order to send a message to the United States government to officially recognize this crime against humanity.

The Armenian National Committee – 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 ANC-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

Photo caption: Mayor Villaraigosa at Armenian Genocide Commemoration, April 24, 2008.