GLENDALE—The Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee (AGCC) of Los Angeles was established on August 9 to steer and coordinate multifaceted commemorative activities in the Western United States in preparation for the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide on April 24, 2015.
The establishment of AGCC was preceded by a series of community-wide consultations among the major Armenian-American organizations on the West Coast. The creation of AGCC reflects the decision of these organizations to streamline their centennial activities under a single umbrella and a unified strategic plan.
The following major Armenian-American organizations and institutions have joined together to form the AGCC:
Western Diocese of the Armenian Church
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church
Armenian Catholic Church
Armenian Evangelical Union of North America
Armenian Revolutionary Federation, Western Region
Armenian Democratic Liberal Party
Social Democratic Hunchakian Party
Armenian General Benevolent Union, Western District
Armenian Relief Society, Western US
Armenia Fund, Western Region US
United Armenian Fund
Armenian Council of America
Armenian National Committee, Western Region
Armenian Rights Council
Armenian Assembly of America
USC Institute of Armenian Studies
AGCC will coordinate the activities of regional committees throughout the West Coast and foster their grassroots initiatives. AGCC will also work closely with the Central Commemorative Committee in Armenia and Diasporan commemorative groups worldwide.
Reading the names of organizations under the declaration, the obvious question becomes: Why is it that on the academic side, only the USC Armenian Studies is included? Were the other Armenian academic chairs and programs approached? Why are they not included? I thin my questions constitute only a partial list and others may add important questions to the list too…I also don’t see any of our cultural organizations on the list too??? I think such a committee should be as much inclusive as possible. The above list doesn’t show that aspect…
cultural organizations? These cultural organizations and the diocese have made a mockery of the genocide commemoration. Enough of the dancing, wedding theme music, it’s insulting and degrades the meaning of commemorating the death and suffering of hundreds of thousands of Armenians.
The best News we have had for a long time. The only way to deal with the Genocide Issue is through cooperation and unity. It is also nice to see our Armenian organizations united for this noble cause. I am sure many hurdles wait us from Turkey all the way through 2015.
United we win, divided we will lose. Do not forget! Let us show Turkey that we are united on this cause and justice will prevail.
We congratulate the forming of a Genocide Centenial Committee being formed in the LA area. I personally have written to some of the above organizations, mostly in the East Coast to also form a United Committee to have the U.S. Postal System, the United Nations Postal System, along with Armenia to issue a Souvenir Postal Stamp on the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in the year 2015. Perhaps this Armenian Genocide Centenial Committee can work on pursuing this important endeavor. As my previous letters to the various organizations & churches, it takes 2 to 3 years for the Postal System to be approaced in advance to issue such a stamp. The Jews I understand issued a U.S. Postal stamp on the Holocaust a few years back which should be mentioned and finally to find an Armenian to design such a stamp which should include “Man’s Inhumanity to Man” along with the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923, the 1st Holocaust, with possibly a picture of Mt. Ararat along with a Khatch Kar. Since all the writings can’t possibly be put on a regular Postage Stamp, I am suggesting a Postal Souvenir Sheet. An answer on this issue would be appreciated. Stephen T. Dulgarian