UNIVERSAL CITY–The success of the 24th Homenetmen Navasartian Games was marked Friday evening during the annual Victory Ball at the Universal City Hilton–where the organization’s regional executive presented the award and recognized the 1999 Homenetmen "Outstanding Member" Garbis Eulmesekian for his years of service to the organization.
Present at the Victory Ball were Western Prelate Bishop Moushegh Mardirossian–Armenia’s Consul General to Los Angeles Armen Melkonian–Homenetmen Central Executive members Jirair Sarkissian–Koko Balian and Stepan Der-Bedrosian (from Lebanon)–Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western US Central Committee members Mardig Gaboudian and Glendale City Council member Rafi Manoukian.
Homenetmen Regional Executive Chairman Manuel Marcelian invited Eulmesekian to the stage and presented the coveted "Outstanding Member" award to the veteran member. Eulmesekian ascended on to the stage to a standing ovation and cheers from the crowd.
Marcelian said that Eulmesekian was chosen for his years of dedicated service to the Homenetmen and his belief and commitment in the ideals of the organization.
In accepting the award–Eulmesekian outlined the important role the Homenetmen has played in educating generations of Armenia’s and called on all parents to convey to their children the mission and beliefs of the organization.
Also being honored by plaques were the 24th Navasartian Games major sponsors Sunrise Jewelry and Closet World. Sunrise was represented by Shant Haytayan while Closet World proprietor Varant Melkonian was personally on hand to accept the honor from the Regional Executive.
The program began with opening remarks by Haytayan on behalf of the organizing committee.
Master of Ceremonies Charlie Ghalian presented a detailed historical account of the Homenetmen and its activities worldwide and in the Western Region.
Prior to his remarks–Western Prelate Bishop Moushegh Mardirossian presented the invocation and praised the Homenetmen for a job well done.
Bishop Mardirossian also praised the organization’s decision to postpone the games–scheduled for July 4–in memory of His Holiness Karekin I–Catholicos of All Armenia’s.
Garbis Chekherdemian presented remarks on behalf of the Homenetmen Regional Executive. He initially thanked all attendees and supporters of the Homenetmen–the organizing committees and later extended his expressions of gratitude to the Armenian people for supporting the Homenetmen.
Also speaking at the gathering was Central Executive member Stepan Der-Bedrosian–who was in Los Angeles to attend the Navasartian Games.
He encouraged the community to continue its advancement and–as a first-time participant in the Navasartian Games tradition–he commended the Western Regional Executive for its efforts in promoting the goals of the Homenetmen.
A brief video–chronicling the rich history of the organization–was presented. The video was produced by Kerop Manoukian with the guidance and support of the Homenetmen Central Educational Council.
The evening’s entertainment was provided by the Dark Eyes band–which enlivened the evening and the follow-up dance.