GLENDALE–The Armenian Consulate General in Los Angeles organized a celebration Thursday–marking the re-establishment of Armenia’s Independence. The gathering took place at the United Community Church with hundreds of community leaders and members in attendance.
Western Primate–Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian was present at the event–with representatives of all political parties. The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western US Central Committee participated in the event with a delegation headed by Shahan Stepanian and Avedis Ispendjian.
The keynote speaker for the event was Armenia’s Consul General to Los Angeles Armen Melkonian–who in his remarks stressed the importance of marking Armenia’s independence in Glendale–the largest community outside of Armenia proper. He added to his statemen’s a briefing of Armenia’s current socio-political and economic situation–explaining that strengthening of Armenia was a precondition to better future prospects.
Melkonian added that since independence–Armenia–despite its shortcomings–won the war in Karabakh–succeeded in international relations and made the Armenian Genocide issue and pan-national concern.
Master of Ceremonies Parsegh Kartalian welcomed the gathering and emphasized the historic significance of Armenian independence. Also speaking at the gathering were chairman of the Armenia Fund Inc. Zaven Khanjian and Arch. Hovsepian.
The program concluded with a cultural program with the participation of community artists–directed by poetess Alice Kaplanjyan.