FRESNO–Almost 400 Fresno area Armenia’s attended an Armenian Independence Day dinner-dance celebration on Saturday–May 30–in Fresno. The event was held at the Asbarez Armenian Community Center and included a special performance by renowned Armenian singer George Baghdoyan and his band.
The event was sponsored and organized by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation "Soghomon Tehlirian" Gomideh–the Armenian Youth Federation "Kevork Chavoush" Chapter–the Armenian Relief Society "Sophia" Chapter–Hamazkayin Cultural Association–and the Homenetmen Armenian General Athletic Union.
The Master of Ceremonies for the event was Hagop Krioghlian–member of the "Soghomon Tehlirian" Gomideh. Krioghlian welcomed the attendees and introduced the speakers of the evening–among them were ARF "Soghomon Tehlirian" Gomideh Chairperson Meher Chekerdemian; Steve Samuelian–District Director to Congressman George Radanovich; Levon Marashlian–Ph.D.–Professor of History at Glendale Community College; and UCLA lecturer Garabed Moumdjian.
Samuelian then introduced special guest US Senate Candidate Darell Issa. Issa spoke of the importance of keeping our country going in the right direction.
Chekerdemian introduced special guests in attendance including ARF Western US Central Committee member Viken Yepremian–Fresno City Councilmen Mike Briggs–Len Steitz and Ron Quillo.