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On Sunday, October 5, a corner of Little Armenia celebrated the 40 anniversary of Los Angeles Homenetmen chapter and all its glory as the chapter that sparked Homenetmen Western region’s emergence.
The celebrations started outside of Barnsdall Gallery Theatre that sits on top of a hill overlooking Little Armenia. The property is surrounded by lush greenery, which for the day, had been transformed into a Homenetmen Jamboree of sorts. As guests and scouts filed onto the grounds, they walked by tents and photo displays and exhibits depicting the last 40 years of the chapters emergence and steady growth. The walk through memory lane mesmerized guests as they took the bittersweet journey portraying a difficult beginning and the efforts of many who are now deceased.
The program began with a flag ceremony led by scout leader Adreas Hindoyan, followed by prayers and blessings by Reverends Nareg Pahlivanian and Vasken Atmadjian. The cultural program and presentation commenced with a group of scouts and brownies who filed into the theatre and onto the stage, shouting and singing to recapture the spirit of camping. Emcees Hovig Berberian and Tamar Gharibian interacted with stage production and public in recapturing the spirit of a scouting jamboree.
Besides the 300 or so members of Los Angeles Homenetmen, parents and guests, members and chairman of the Regional Executive Committee Steve Artinian and others gathered for the chapter’s milestone. Indeed, were it not for the persistence of those who had formed the Los Angeles chapter forty years ago, the fate of the Western region would have been in the air;
Subsequent performances by all levels of scouts were dedicated to the chapter’s 40 year’s and Armenian culture that intertwines with efforts to preserve national and scouting heritage. A video presentation, prepared by Los Angeles chapter member Avo Kambourian, enticed guests and scouts who were able to take the journey through time and commemorate and reflect.
Regional Scouting council chair Hriar Boyadjian delivered the council’s congratulatory remarks, praising the chapter’s activities and increasing successes. He recalled the honor scouts must uphold in their responsibilities and duties and how the Los Angeles chapter embodies the qualities.
Los Angeles chapter vice chair Raffi Ispenjian addressed the gathering on behalf his executive. He praised the long history of commitment and success, wishing continued advancemen’s for the chapter and scouting program. He thanked the efforts of all scouts participating in the program and the parental support that helps advance such programs, as well as the commitment of volunteer committees.
In closing, the chapter honored one of its own, member Hrair Boyadjian, former scout leader and executive member, and presently the chairman of the Scouting Council–for his lengthy and unwavering commitment to all of Homenetmen.
Congratulations Los Angeles Homenetmen!
