TORRANCE–The City Councils of three South Bay Cities have joined other California cities and Armenia’s around the world in commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Armenian genocide. The Cities of Lawndale–Rolling Hills Estates–and Lomita have passed or will be passing proclamations honoring the memory of the victims of the Armenian genocide committed by the Ottoman Turkish Government.
On April 12–the Mayor of the City of Rolling Hills Estates presented a proclamation declaring April 24–2005 as a "Day of remembrance of the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1925." The Mayor presented the proclamation to Councilmember Frank Zerunyan–whose grandparents are survivors of the Genocide. Councilman Zerunyan will also be one of the featured speakers at a commemorative event organized by the Torrance chapter of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF)–which will be taking place at the Armenian Community Center located at 2222 Lomita Blvd. on Friday–April 22 at 7:30 p.m.
The City of Lawndale followed suit on Monday–April 18–passing a similar proclamation–as the City of Lomita will be doing during its City Council meeting on Monday–May 2. "We are thankful that our civic leaders are taking the time to recognize an issue that is so important to members of our community both young and old"–commented the chairperson of the ANC-South Bay–Khajik Khajadourian. "These proclamations not only commemorate the Armenian Genocide but also send a message that present-day Turkey must come to terms with its past."
The South Bay ANC and AYF chapters will be working together to encourage more South Bay cities to join the growing number of California cities in commemorating the Armenian genocide next year.
The Armenian-American community in the South Bay includes active chapters of the Armenian Relief Society–which operates a weekly Armenian language school–Armenian National Committee–Homenetmen Armenian General Athletic Union–and Armenian Youth Federation "Potorig" Chapter.