Simi Valley, CA – The Armenian National Committee – Western Region (ANC-WR) is pleased to announce that the 2008 ANC-WR Annual Banquet shall take place on Sunday, October 12, 2008 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Located in Simi Valley, California, the Library will offer community supporters and activists a glimpse into the legacy of President Reagan, who recognized the Armenian Genocide in 1981 through a Presidential Proclamation. The 2008 ANC-WR annual banquet would be the first major Armenian American event held at the Library.

“This marquee location offers a unique blend of atmosphere for our supporters,” stated ANC-WR Board Member and Banquet Committee Chairperson Aida Dimejian. “President Reagan was the last sitting President to stand by his principles and describe the Armenian Genocide accurately in 1981 – while the Presidential Library itself is an impressive and appropriate venue to celebrate the ANC-WR’s grassroots commitment to the community,” she added.

Presidential libraries contain archives and museums, bringing together in one collection documents and artifacts of Presidents and their administrations for presentation to the public. As such, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is a repository of presidential records during President Reagan’s administration. With over 50 million pages of presidential documents, 1.6 million photographs, 500,000 feet of motion picture film, personal papers from President Reagan’s years as governor of California and more, the Library boasts a substantial collection of presidential historical materials from President Reagan’s eight years in office and beyond.

Banquet attendees will also find a museum dedicated to President Reagan’s life, featuring exhibits on his background and work in politics and film. Perhaps the Library’s most outstanding feature is the “Flying White House”, otherwise known as Air-Force One which served seven Presidents, including Reagan, from 1973-2001. President Reagan once stated that he hoped to one day share Air Force One with the American people. The Air Force One Pavilion, which opened on October 24, 2005, offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience this national treasure.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is administered by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and operates under the authority of the Presidential Records Act. There are currently twelve Presidential Libraries in the United States which are dedicated to Presidents Herbert Hoover, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George Bush, and Bill Clinton.

“After last year’s highly successful sold-out affair, this year’s annual banquet promises to elevate the community’s activism and enthusiasm even further,” commented ANC-WR Executive Director Andrew Kzirian. “We are greatly looking forward to what will surely be the premier community grassroots event of the year,” he added.

The ANC-WR Annual Banquet will begin at 3:30 p.m. with a cocktail hour and the formal program will begin at 5:30 p.m. As in the past, the event will attract a large number of Armenian American community leaders and prominent federal, state and local elected officials.

For more information please contact the ANC-WR at 818 500 1918 or ancwr@anca.org. For reservations and tickets, please visit www.itsmyseat.com.

The Armenian National Committee – Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots public affairs 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 promotes awareness of issues of concern to the Armenian American community.

Photo caption #1: Air Force One at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

Photo caption #2: Air Force One overlooks a reception at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.