Participants at the rally waving Armenian flags in remembrance of the victims of the genocide.
On April 24, Beverly Hills witnessed a powerful gathering honoring the victims of the Armenian Genocide. Organized by the Armenian Youth Federation, this annual observance featured a children’s chorus, stirring speeches, and was attended by community leaders. This year marked the 110th anniversary of the genocide, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and raising awareness of ongoing struggles faced by Armenians.
On April 24, the city of Beverly Hills buzzed with emotion as hundreds of people came together outside the Turkish Consulate General on Wilshire Boulevard. This gathering was a powerful demonstration of remembrance and solidarity in honor of the victims of the Armenian Genocide.
Every year, the Armenian Youth Federation organizes this rally as part of an annual observance of Genocide Remembrance Day. This year was particularly significant since Governor Gavin Newsom made the observance official in 2022, recognizing the date as a vital part of history. The Los Angeles Unified School District took steps to ensure community involvement by closing schools for the day, allowing families to participate in the event.
The atmosphere was filled with heartfelt sentiment as a children’s chorus led the crowd in singing Armenia’s national anthem, “Mer Hayrenik” (Our Fatherland). The sound of young voices resonated through the crowd, connecting generations in a poignant moment of unity and pride.
Los Angeles is home to over 200,000 Armenians, making it the largest Armenian community outside of Armenia. The sheer size of the gathering highlighted both the deep roots of the community and the importance of this day.
The event included stirring speeches from community leaders, including Haig Minasian, who passionately discussed the ongoing struggles faced by Armenians, particularly in the contested region of Artsakh. He pointedly criticized the relationships that the United States maintains with nations that refuse to recognize the atrocities committed during the genocide.
Attendees remembered the estimated 1.5 million Armenians who lost their lives during World War I at the hands of the Ottoman Empire. A striking sign that read “110 Years of Armenian Resilience” served as a constant reminder of the strength and endurance of the Armenian people in the face of adversity.
Throughout the rally, passionate chants filled the air, including the call to “open your eyes to Turkey’s lies,” an expression of frustration about the ongoing denial by Turkey regarding the genocide. Participants waved vibrant Armenian flags and donned hats, pins, and bracelets that displayed their rich cultural heritage.
Adding to the spectacle, a plane flew overhead trailing a banner proclaiming “GENOCIDE IGNORED IS GENOCIDE REPEATED,” a bold reminder that remembrance is crucial to preventing history from repeating itself.
This rally was just one of many events taking place across Southern California for Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day. The community also held a ceremony at the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Monument in Montebello, a designated historical landmark in the state.
Presence was strong, with notable attendance from local political figures, including Congresswoman Judy Chu and former Los Angeles City Council President Paul Krekorian, who joined in honoring the victims.
Gary Khanjian, who co-chairs the Armenian Genocide Committee, emphasized the importance of educating younger generations about the significance of this day. The Los Angeles Unified School District has recognized Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day since the 2013-14 school year, making it a fundamental part of community awareness.
In a bold move, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted on April 15 to officially designate April 24 as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day in the county. Their commitment emphasized the importance of remembrance and aimed to raise awareness about the ongoing struggles faced by Armenians today.
This year marked the 110th anniversary of the genocide, tracing back to a dark time when many Armenian leaders were arrested in Constantinople on April 24, 1915. Despite this historical context, Turkey continues to deny that these deaths amounted to genocide, claiming inflated numbers and linking events to civil unrest.
Recent tensions in the region, particularly with the forced displacement of Armenians from Artsakh due to military actions by Azerbaijan, underline the relevance of these remembrance activities. April is also recognized as Armenian History Month in the Los Angeles area, featuring various cultural exhibits and events that celebrate Armenian heritage.
As the community gathers to honor the memory of those who endured the genocide, their ongoing efforts remind all of the importance of remembrance and the need to address the challenges faced by Armenians today.
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