Nevada Armenians Join with Elected Officials to Call for Genocide Recognition

LAS VEGAS, NV–The Armenian community of Nevada came together to commemorate the 95th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide on April 24, 2010 hosting “A Celebration of Life,” which recalled the accomplishments of the Armenian people since 1915.  The event was hosted by the Armenian National Committee of Nevada in collaboration with other Armenian community organizations of Las Vegas at the Christ Lutheran Church.

A capacity crowd of over 400 people filled the Church for the event which featured guest speakers from the community and many prominent elected officials, including the entire southern Nevada Congressional delegation. The event was emceed by Pastor Sam Agulian.

In his remarks, Senator John Ensign noted his years of support for the Armenian Genocide Resolution, and his signing of Senator Barbara Boxer’s letter to President Obama demanding that President Obama acknowledge the Armenian Genocide.

Congresswoman Shelly Berkley spoke strongly about the fact that now is the time for the United States to officially acknowledge the Armenian Genocide, and that she disagreed with the White House on its opposition.

Senator Harry Reid, the Senate Majority Leader, prepared a special video greeting confirming his never-ending support for the passage of an Armenian Genocide Congressional Resolution.

Also present were senior staff members of Congresswoman Dina Titus and Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons as well as Las Vegas City Council Member Lois Tarkanian all of whom presented proclamations commemorating the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

Senate Candidate Danny Tarkanian also spoke to the capacity crowd. If elected, Mr. Tarkanian would be the first person of Armenian descent in the United States Senate.

Keynote speaker for the event was Garbis Der Yeghiayan, President of Mashdots College in Glendale, California.  Dr. Der Yeghiayan, who holds doctoral degrees from Northwestern University and the University of La Verne, delivered a rousing and inspirational speech demanding justice for the Armenian people which brought the audience to its feet.

Joining the ANC in organizing the event were Las Vegas chapters of the Armenian American Cultural Society, the Armenian Youth Federation, the Armenian Relief Society, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, and Homenetmen as well as the UNLV Armenian Student Association, Saint Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church, and the Armenian Evangelical Church and the Armenian Evangelical Church, Las Vegas Chapter.

The Armenian National Committee of Nevada advances the social, economic, cultural, and political rights of the area’s Armenian American community and promotes increased Armenian American civic participation at the grassroots and public policy levels.