MONTEBELLO, CA–Thousands of Armenian Americans throughout Southern California gathered at the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Monument in Montebello on April 24th to commemorate the 95th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The commemoration was organized by the Armenian Genocide United Commemorative Committee and attended by dozens of elected officials, clergy, and community leaders.
Delivering remarks during the commemoration were Congressman Adam Schiff (D-21), State Assembly Majority Leader Charles Calderon (D-58), Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and LA City Councilmember Paul Krekorian. Representatives from the offices of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Senator Barbara Boxer were also in attendance.
Congressman Schiff (D-21), as the author of the Armenian Genocide Resolution – H. Res. 252 – in Congress, called for an end to Turkey’s gag rule. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and City Councilmember Paul Krekorian also addressed the crowd – calling on Turkey to end its 95 years of shameful denial of the Armenian Genocide.
During his remarks, State Assembly Majority Leader Charles Calderon (D-58) announced the passage of ACR 148 in the California State Legislature. The passage of ACR 148, which calls on the Department of Transportation to erect information signs on Highway 60 in Los Angeles County directing motorists to the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Monument, was an especially significant announcement on April 24th, as it highlights the Monument as a beacon of awareness for crimes against humanity. The Montebello Armenian Genocide Martyr’s Monument, the first to be built honoring the victims of the Armenian Genocide on public land, has served as the gathering ground for thousands of Armenians in the Los Angeles area to commemorate the Armenian Genocide.
