ORANGE COUNTY—On Saturday, February 18 almost 300 members of the community gathered at Gugasian Hall to celebrate the importance of the February Revolt.
ARF Armen Karo Social Committee organized the celebration (“Khrakhjank”) which included an amazing performance by Karnig Sarkissian that kept the majority of the attendees excited and engaged until the early morning hours.
Zepur Ohanessian, Committee Chairperson, welcomed the guests and stressed the importance of the February Uprising. She then introduced Shant Meguerditchian to say a few words on behalf of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF). Shant explained that it was the founder of the AYF, General Karekin Njteh, who led the forces during the uprising in Zankezour and secured the safe passage of many Armenian nationals. He went on to thank the ARF Armen Karo Gomideh for organizing the celebration, and more importantly for supporting and standing by the youth. He explained that the AYF & ARF are one family and ever since the AYF camp weekend in November the bond between the two has grown much stronger.
Garo Madenlian, Chairman of the ARF Armen Karo Gomideh, then spoke about the political importance of the Revolt and how Zankezour was saved from being taken over byTurkey, an unacceptable Pan-Turanist agenda that the government of Turkey attempts to reintroduce every decade. He went on to explain that the Uprising was an ideal, that was realized by the hard work and support of the community, led by its youth. Garo promised that the ARF would stand by today’s youth, the AYF, as they continue to defend that ideal, and fight for the Armenian Cause.
Setrak Garabedian, TrikTrak.ca then played Armenian music for those in attendance as the crowd geared up for Karnig Sarkissian and the singing of national songs. Karnig took the stage and electrified the audience, re-energizing those present to become active participants within their respective organizations, specifically the ARF. The entire evening was broadcast live online on TrikTrak.ca and included various individuals calling in from Canada, Lebanon, and other countries, requesting Karnig to sing certain songs, and pledging their solidarity and donations!
