FRESNO–The ARF Soghomon Tehlirian Gomideh of Fresno marked ARF Day on Sunday–February 25 at the Armenian Center of Fresno with over 250 community members in attendance.
The main speaker at the event was ARF Western USA Region Central Committee representative Vicken Yacoubian–who highlighted the Armenian Revolutionary Federation’s 110 years of continued existence–and its perseverance through difficult episodes of Armenian history.
Yacoubian spoke of the challenges faced by Armenia’s in the 21st century–in particular the future of the Armenian Diaspora. He also credited the existence of an Armenian Republic today in helping preserve the Armenian identity in the Diaspora.
In his closing remarks–Yacoubian addressed the recent international recognition of the Armenian Genocide by parliamen’s around the world. The ARF representative added that efforts at gaining recognition of the Genocide is part of our national struggle which does not simply end with the international recognition of the Genocide–especially Turkish recognition.
Recognition of the historic facts of the Genocide means the re-establishment of justice–and for the ARF the pursuit of justice encompasses the overall concept of the Armenian Cause–in other words the return of the occupied Armenian territories of western Armenia to their rightful owners.
Also included in this re-establishment of justice is financial and moral compensation to which the Armenian people is entitled to. These national deman’s are of utmost importance to the ARF–and are inherent in our belief of a truly free–independent–and united Armenia.
Boghos Handian opened the celebration with his remarks. Other speakers included Mher Shekherdemian of the Soghomon Tehlirian Gomideh who spoke of the ARF’s activities in the Fresno community–and Sosi Khachadurian of the local Kevork Chavoush AYF chapter.
A cultural program followed featuring music–recitations–and a theatrical piece.