BY ADROUSHAN ANDY ARMENIAN
LAS VEGAS—The City of Las Vegas hosted a poignant commemoration ceremony on April 24 to mark Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, honoring the memory of the 1.5 million victims who lost their lives between 1915 and 1923, as well as the 2023 Artsakh Genocide.
The event took place at the Las Vegas Armenian Genocide Memorial Monument at Sunset Park, and was attended by hundreds of community members, human rights advocates, local dignitaries, and elected officials. The commemoration was organized by the Armenian American Cultural Society of Las Vegas (AACS); all local Armenian churches and organizations were invited to participate.
The ceremony opened with a flag ceremony by the Homenetmen “Artsakh” Chapter scouts, followed by the U.S and Armenian national anthems.
Event emcee Hermann Brumm invited St. Garabed Church Pastor Rev. Fr. Artsakh Badoyan, and Armenian Evangelical Church Pastor Sam Agulian. to preside over the invocation and opening prayers.
Armenian National Committee of America — Western Region Board member Lenna Hovanessian, Esq. delivered the keynote speech, in which she reflected on the historical significance of both the 1915 genocide and the 2023 Artsakh genocide. At the conclusion of her speech, Hovanessian invited Nevada Congresswoman Dina Titus to deliver her remarks to the audience.
Congresswoman Titus has undertaken a courageous task to hold Azerbaijani officials accountable for war crimes and human rights violations of Armenian civilians, POWs and Artsakh leaders, as well as the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh by spearheading the Azerbaijani Sanctions Review Act of 2024. Congresswoman Titus has been and continues to be a steadfast champion for human rights and for the Armenian-American people. The Armenian community of Nevada and across the United States is proud of her leadership for this brave and unprecedented step toward ending the impunity and genocidal policies of Azerbaijan, and holding Azerbaijani officials accountable for human rights violations under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.
Afterward, Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, who is a close friend of the Armenian community, offered remarks.
Liz Payumo, a representative of Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, reflected on the historical significance of the Armenian Genocide and the importance of remembering such atrocities to prevent future ones.
City of Las Vegas Councilwoman Victoria Seaman was represented by Dave McGowen, who presented a plaque on behalf of the mayor and councilmembers at the event.
Final remarks were made by Joseph Campos, Honorary Consul of Korea and Dean of the Nevada Diplomatic Core.
The Armenian Dance Academy of Las Vegas students took part in the commemoration, handing out carnations to the public which were then placed at the Eternal Circle of the monument.
Later, Armenian traditional music was performed on the violin by Maestro Harry Hovakimian.
An Armenian Genocide Saints Intercession prayer service was held at St. Geragos church, followed by a candlelight vigil.
AACS is a 501c3 nonprofit and the oldest Armenian organization in Nevada, founded in 1978 and incorporated in 1981. Its mission is to preserve and promote Armenian history, heritage and culture in Nevada, and for decades has spearheaded the April 24 Genocide Commemoration bringing together all Armenian churches and organizations together in the City of Las Vegas.
Adroushan Andy Armenian is the former Honorary Consul of the Republic of Armenia in Las Vegas,
