Glendale News Press
April 23 2005
Events recalling genocide ensue
Glendale High, Alex Theatre will host weekend happenings that bring
an end to remembrance week.
By Jackson Bell, News-Press and Leader
GLENDALE — A week devoted to remembering the 1.5 million Armenians
killed in Turkey will culminate with two commemorative events Sunday,
on the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
“This is a day to remember those who have died in the genocide,” said
Alina Azizian, executive director of the Armenian National
Committee’s Glendale Chapter. “It’s also about raising awareness and
standing up against human-rights violations happening around the
world.”
More than 1.5 million Armenians were killed by Ottoman Turks between
1915 and 1923 in what is widely considered the first genocide of the
20th century.
Two events will be held, at which the public can listen to speakers,
watch cultural performance and reflect on the Armenian Genocide and
other global inhumanities.
The 90th Anniversary Commemoration at the Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand
Blvd., will end the city-sponsored “Week of Remembrance.”
The free event, from 2 to 4 p.m., will feature a speech by poet Aram
Saroyan, and performances by the Zvartnotz Dance Group and the Winds
of Passion. The Cornerstone Theater will also perform an adaptation
of Leon Surmelian’s book, “I Ask You, Ladies and Gentleman.”
Earlier in the week, the city sponsored screenings of films about
genocides, and then presented a panel discussion about them.
“The Week of Remembrance is to promote understanding among the
community about the devastating effects of genocides,” said Zizette
Ayad, an administrative analyst for the city who helped organize the
events.
A rally commemorating the Armenian Genocide will begin at 4:30 p.m.
in the Glendale High School Auditorium, 1440 E. Broadway. The free
event will feature speakers along with musical and dance
performances, said Mihran Toumajan, one of its organizers.
“It’s going to be a solemn occasion, but it’s also meant to renew our
commitment to justice for the victims and survivors of the genocide,”
said Toumajan, a member of the Armenian General Benevolent Union, one
of 26 organizations collaborating to put on the rally.
During the Glendale City Council’s Tuesday meeting, city officials
will announce the design selected for the planned Armenian Genocide
memorial. The tribute will be built outside the Glendale Civic
Auditorium on Verdugo Road.
For more information on the Alex Theatre event, call (818) 243-2539.
For more information on the rally, call (626) 794-7942.