GLENDALE–Some 4,000 Armenian-Americans marked the 81st anniversary of Armenian Independence at Verdugo Park Monday during a festival/picnic organized by the Armenian Youth Federation Central Executive.
The crowd that gathered at Verdugo Park enjoyed musical performances from Harout Pamboukjian and Nersig Ispirian–while the children chose from a myriad selection of games and entertainment to occupy their time.
Prior to the festival–four AYF representatives–Souzi Zerounian-Khanzadian–Shoushig Avakian–Patyl Aposhian and Vicken Sossigian headed to Glendale City Hall and laid a wreath at the memorial monument there on behalf of the AYF and took part in the city’s Memorial Day ceremonies.
Also present at the festival were State Assemblyman Scott Wildman and Glendale City Councilman Rafi Manoukian.
The festival kicked off community-wide celebrations of the 81st anniversary of Armenian independence. The festivities will culminate on June 13 during a celebration gathering at 6 p.m. at Pasadena’s Sexson Auditorium.