Author: Kanayan Tamar

Las Vegas community members at Sunset Park’s Armenian Genocide Memorial, where an event commemorating the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide was held on Apr. 24

BY ADROUSHAN ANDY ARMENIAN

LAS VEGAS — Members of the Armenian community in Las Vegas gathered at the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Sunset Park on April 24 to honor the 1.5 million Armenians who lost their lives during the Armenian Genocide. The commemorative event brought together community members, students, clergy, and elected officials and dignitaries in a unified act of remembrance.

Hermann Brumm, representing the Armenian American Cultural Society of Las Vegas emceed the ceremony and invited the clergy to lead the Invocation, led by Very Rev. Fr. Sasoon Zumrookhdian, Rev. Fr. Barkev Balkevorkian, and Rev. Sam Agulian. Prior to the invocation, the Homenetmen scouts of Las Vegas “Artsakh” Chapter opened the event with a flag ceremony, and performed both the American and Armenian national anthems, setting a respectful and ceremonial tone.

From left: UNLV President Chris Heavey, Lenna Hovanessian, Congresswoman Susie Lee, Mayor Shelley Berkley, Adroushan Andy Armenian City of Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkely delivering remarks at the event

A significant moment followed when Amber Stidham, on behalf of Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, presented an official proclamation recognizing April 24, 2026, as Nevada’s Day of Remembrance for the Armenian Genocide.

Student leadership was also in attendance, with Ariana Khzarjyan, president of the Armenian Student Association at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, introducing UNLV President Chris Heavey. Heavy spoke about the enduring legacy and contributions of Armenian Americans within the university community.

Las Vegas’ Rev. Sam Agulian, Very Rev. Fr. Sasoon Zumrookhdian and Rev. Fr. Barkev Balkevorkian led the Invocation Gov. Joe Lombardo’s proclamation was presented to Hermann Brumm by Amber Stidham

A particularly notable address came from City of Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley, who strongly emphasized the city’s commitment to remembrance, recognition, and standing in solidarity with the Armenian community. She also presented an official proclamation from the Mayor’s Office, reinforcing the importance of acknowledging the Armenian Genocide and ensuring its history is never forgotten.

Additional remarks were delivered by Nevada Congresswoman Susie Lee, Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, Lenna Hovanessian Esq. and Joe Campos, Dean of the Nevada Consular Corps, each highlighting themes of remembrance, justice, and education.

The program included a moving violin performance by Harry Hovakimian, adding a solemn and reflective element to the ceremony. The event concluded with elected officials and attendees placing carnations at the memorial in tribute.

The gathering stood as a powerful reminder of the importance of remembrance, unity, and continued advocacy to ensure that the history and lessons of the Armenian Genocide are never forgotten.

Adroushan Andy Armenian is the former Honorary Consul of the Republic of Armenia in Las Vegas.

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Tokyo International Foto Awards awarded Sossi Madzounian bronze in the Architecture/Buildings buildings category for her photographs of The Getty Museum.

TIFA wrote about the photo the photo series, “The Getty Museum is compelling in its masterful blend of soft, flowing curves and strong, geometric edges. It presents both a challenge and an opportunity for any photographer. Capturing its essence demands a thoughtful approach—an acute awareness of light, perspective, and timing.

Sossi Madzounian’s photographic vision transcends from a traditional approach to the digital age, emphasizing on the sheer simplicity of the subject. After studying at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, she immersed herself in commercial photography but has shifted her focus to fine art photography for the last fifteen years. Sossi’s style is about capturing the essence of what naturally exists. Her discerning eye focuses on the ordinary often unheeded subjects metamorphosing them into compelling forms and images. Her unblemished approach to life is her inspiration and guiding light.”

Madzounian elaborated on her technique, “I photographed the museum in the late afternoon, during golden hour. The light cast long, dramatic shadows and defined the architectural lines, enhancing depth and contrast. In the editing process, I converted the image to black and white to reveal the emotion and the drama of the structure.”

Images were captured in December 2014 using a EF24-70mm lens at ISO400, 30mm and f/5.6

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