LOS ANGELES–More than 1,000 supporters of the Armenian National Committee ‘s Western Region gathered Sunday to celebrate a landmark year of grassroots activism at the Universal Sheraton in Universal City.
Senator Robert Menendez (NJ), recipient of the ANC-WR’s “Man of the Year” award, addressed the sold out audience and discussed the enormous obligation of all human rights advocates to continue the struggle to ensure truth and recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
The Senator also recounted the holds he placed on the nomination of then Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Armenia Richard Hoagland. Hoagland provided denialist responses to the Senate Foreign Relations during questioning pertaining to the Armenian Genocide at his confirmation hearings.
The evening also awarded community activist and philanthropist Hacob Shirvanian with the “Legacy Award” for his remarkable commitment and leadership in the Armenian American community.
Finally, on behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Canadian Secretary of State Jason Kenney accepted the “Freedom Award” for the Prime Minister’s courageous and principled affirmation of recognizing the Armenian Genocide as the Canadian government’s official policy. Complete coverage of the banquet will be published in our Weekend Edition.
