ANC Orange County Hosts Fourth Annual Walk For Remembrance

SANTA ANA, CA–The Armenian National Committee of Orange County (ANC OC) hosted its 4th annual “Walk for Remembrance” on Saturday April 17, 2010. Nearly 150 participants walked 5 miles in honor of the Armenian Genocide and to raise awareness about genocide denial.

“It was inspiring to see the community come out once again, young and old, to bring attention to the Armenian Genocide,” said Tsolag Apelian, a member of the ANC Orange County Executive Committee.  “While we walked many miles today to raise awareness about this crime against humanity, it can only be the first step in our continued efforts to educate the community and confront genocide.”

The day’s events began at Forty Martyr’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Santa Ana, California with a requiem service.  The walkathon route passed by Mile Square Park and through portions of Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Westminster, as well as Fountain Valley.  The event concluded with a short commemorative program featuring Haig Hovsepian of the Armenian National Committee-Western Region and Ms. Deleene Almissouri from the Kurdish American Youth Organization who spoke about the common challenges faced by the Armenian and Kurdish communities with regards to genocide awareness and justice.

More information about the event including pictures from the walk can be viewed at the event website, www.walkoc.org.

The Armenian National Committee of Orange County (ANC OC) advances the social, economic, cultural, and political rights of the area’s Armenian American community and promotes increased Armenian American civic participation at the grassroots and public policy levels.  The ANC OC has been active in the county for over 25 years, working with other community
organizations in Orange County and local ANCs throughout the United States to promote greater understanding of Armenian American issues.