LOS ANGELES–Antonio Villaraigosa–the national co-chairman of the John Kerry Presidential Campaign–read Senator Kerry’s April 24th statement before thousands of Armenian-Americans at an event sponsored by the Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region (ANCA-WR). The gathering was held in the shadow of the Armenian Genocide Monument in Montebello–California on April 24–2004.
"The City of Los Angeles will never forget the Armenian Genocide and I–along with the Armenian National Committee–will do whatever I can to honor the memory of the 1.5 million martyrs," said Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa. "In the ten years that I have served in public office–the Armenian National Committee has consistently been the leading advocate of issues relating to the Armenian-American community–and I have always valued the close relationship we share."
"We thank Senator Kerry for his April 24th Armenian Genocide Statement–and Councilman Villaraigosa for sharing this message with our community," ANCA’s Western Region Chairman Raffi Hamparian said. "Councilman Villaraigosa understands our long struggle for justice."
Villaraigosa also participated in an ANCA-sponsored Armenian Genocide program held at Los Angeles City Hall on April 23. The Councilman’spoke to Armenian-American leaders at that solemn commemoration–then joined his colleague and event sponsor Councilman Eric Garcetti in passing a resolution affirming the historical facts of the Armenian Genocide–and emphasizing the need to challenge those who deny crimes against humanity like the Armenian Genocide.
Villaraigosa is the former Speaker of the California State Assembly and now serves as a member of the Los Angeles City Council.