Category: 2019

BY MELKON MELKONIAN

On February 24, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western U.S. Central Committee celebrated the 128th anniversary of the party’s establishment. During the event, the ARF Central Committee’s message was delivered by its member Melkon Melkonian. Below is the speech.

We are gathered here to celebrate the 128th anniversary of the founding of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation.

Why?

Why are any of us here and why does this 128 year old organization matter?

Furthermore, what is the Tashnagtsutyun? Who is the Tashnagtstagan?

Many of us here, have answers to these and other such questions for ourselves and for those who ask. But it seems finding and justifying these answers have proven to be increasingly difficult.

Over the past year, since the last time we gathered here in front of our people to deliver our message, a lot has happened. Many changes have taken place here in our region and our homeland. Changes that asked of our people to stand together to demand a better life for themselves and our nation. Changes that gave birth to a new generation of Armenian activists. Young men and women of conviction, striving to a better future.

However, this type of change is never easy. Revolution is never easy. A peaceful, Velvet Revolution is even harder. But our people accomplished just that. And each and every Armenian can be proud of that. The Tashnagtsutyun is proud of our people.

But during these uncertain times, some people questioned the decisions and position of the ARF; not toward the political or social climate within Armenia, but they questioned the ARF’s intentions toward the homeland. That is where we draw the line.

You may not agree with our politics or methods. You may not agree with our policies or decisions. But let me declare to you, the ARF is and it remains dedicated with all its might to the protection, preservation, and prosperity of our people and Homeland. Believing and tirelessly working towards a free, independent and united Armenia, Artsakh and Javakhk.

The Western United States Central Committee of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, through that creed, sees itself as an organization that leads and protects the interests of our people in our region. But leading does not come through dictating our will on our people. The ARF leads by service. The ARF leads through its work. This organization that was founded 128 years ago, was born through the struggles of its people; was born through the will of its people; and was born to serve the people.

So then, what is the Tashnagtsutyun?

The Tashnagtsutyun was born under of Nationalist, Socialist, Democratic, and Revolutionary principles.

Nationalist, not to favor ourselves over any other nation, but to love our people, to protect the rights of our people, and be proud of our history and heritage.

Socialist, because we believe in Social Justice. We believe in the betterment of the quality of life our people; we believe that the rights of ordinary individuals must be preserved and protected. The safety and security of our nation is tied to the social equality and justice for our people.

Democratic, because we believe in the rule of law through democracy and democratic principles. To ensure that the will and voice of the people are safeguarded from tyranny and autocracy.

And finally Revolutionary; not for the sake of a revolution or opposition; but the belief in change. The belief that we as an organization and a people can strive and struggle to be better, to grow and prosper. And perhaps it is this last principles that ties all the others together. To be revolutionary is to dare to act when others retreat; it is to do what is right even when it is not popular; it is to struggle for the National, Social and Democratic rights of our people and not spare any effort to achieve those goals.

We believe in a safe and prosperous homeland.

We believe in the just resolution for the crime of the Armenian Genocide.

We believe in an independent and secure Artsakh.

We believe in a strong and vibrant Diaspora.

And we believe in protecting and fighting for the rights of our people wherever they may be.

Who is the Tashnagtsagan?

One of our great leaders and thinkers, Hratch Dasnabedian, describes the Tashnagtsagan as a person of conviction. “A person who has not only filled him or herself with an ideal, or the selfless dedication to a social or political goal, but also to proactively and consistently contribute to the realization of those ideals.”

For the Tashnagtsagan it is not enough to proclaim devotion or love for the nation, he must also be willing to work, to go down in the trenches, and shed sweat and if need be blood for our people and homeland.

So for those who ask, what or what the Tashnagtsutyun is: It is that same organization who led the formation of the First Armenian Republic in 1918; it is that same organization that sough and executed justice for the perpetrators of the Armenian Genocide; It is the same organization that organized and preserved our diasporas all over the world, by building schools, churches, and community centers to serve the needs of our people; it is the same organization that stopped at nothing to send aid to our brothers and sisters in Artsakh; it is the same organization that continues to tirelessly work for our people and nation.

As proud as we are of our history as an organization, as humbled as we find ourselves living in the shadow of all those who came before us, we do not simply continue to exist because of our past. We are a Revolutionary organization because we believe in our future. We believe that our best days are not behind us, but are here among us in the eyes of our youth. The strength of our organization, comes from that youth, and the belief that our work and service to that nation is not done.

Today standing before you, I do not want to merely recount our past successes, but I want to tell you—I  must tell you—about our work and accomplishments; because as we celebrate today, we are also here to stand accountable to you, our people, from whom we were born, for who we exist. The success of that work does not belong to an individual, or even a group of individuals, it belongs to the collective strength of the ARF in our region. It belongs to our regional Gomidehyutyuns. It belongs to our youth, the Armenian Youth Federation. It belongs, to the Armenian National Committee. And it belongs to all of our sister organizations and countless volunteers who work tirelessly in service of our people.

Here are just of a few examples of the new initiatives that I would like to recognize tonight in our region and in our homeland:

• Our ungers in the Orange County Armen Karo Gomidehyutyun, were able to contribute to the creation of a solar powered water heating system for the people of Mardagerd.
• The San Fernando Valley Rosdom Gomidehyutyun contributed to the development of a Dental Medical Facility for the people of Hadrut.
• The La Crescenta Zavarian Gomidehyutyun, helped purchase a much needed sanitation truck for the people of Karvajar.
• The establishment of a new Summer Camp Program by our San Francisco Kristapor Gomideyutyun.
• The establishment of a youth center in Gyumri through the “We are Gyumri” initiative of the Central Committee.
• The establishment of the Gars Academy, an educational program geared to teach and create a learning environment to foster analytical thought of issues concerning our nation and people.

These new programs join many others already in existence through our Gomideyutyuns, such as day camps, social service programs, educational seminars or fundraising for our local schools and churches.

Not to mention all the others organized and executed by the AYF or the ANC, such as, The AYF Youth Corps program, founded to build a bridge between our homeland and the youth in our region, the AYF Summer Camp program, serving more than a thousand young Armenians each year, the AYF’s and Shant Student Association’s divest Turkey initiatives, to discourage investment into the republic of Turkey by the higher learning educational institutions in our region, the ANC’s internship program, developed to educate and encourage activism amongst our youth, as well as the many advocacy programs of the ANC and its local chapters.

Forgive me if I left out any other programs or activities that I should have mentioned. Our time to speak is short, and our work is a lot. But to all those volunteers, please accept our praise and gratitude.

This type of work or service to our people does not merely exist by chance. It is engrained into the very principles of our organization as I mentioned. Although much of this work has been around and initiated for some time now, it was further enforced and solidified when on January 24, 2019, the 33rd ARF World Congress declared that the ARF in the homeland and around the globe will dedicate its efforts towards Social Justice for our people through the established of programs and the newly formed ARF Office of Social Welfare.

The Central Committee of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western US, recommits itself to this effort and promises to continue and expand on this mission of service to our people.

Sireli Hayrenagtsiner, the work of building, strengthening and supporting our communities cannot be done by the ARF alone. It will require the dedication and commitment of all of us. We need you. The Nation needs you. Do not wait to be called up. Do not wait to be asked. Rise and lend a hand.

This is especially crucial in our region. The Western United States is the home of the most diverse and dynamic Armenian Diaspora in the world. We have communities old and new with rich histories and traditions, all woven together to create this home away from home. No one person or group represents us, yet we are one. The ARF has long been part of this rich history. And as long as we are here, we will continue to serve and protect these communities.

Thank You.

BY ASBAREZ

GLENDALE—The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western United States Central Committee celebrated the 128th anniversary of the organization during an event on Sunday, February 24 at the Glendale High School Auditorium, that featured as its keynote speaker the chairman of the ARF Bureau Hagop Der Khachadourian.

This year’s event was also dedicated to the Armenian youth, as the torchbearer of the Armenian Cause for the future, with the speakers emphasizing the imperative role the youth play in the advancement of the national aspirations of the Armenian Nation. A special video presentation highlighted the activities of the Armenian Youth Federation, the Armenian Youth Federation’s Junior Organization, the ARF Shant Student Association, AYF Camp and the organization’s youth-centric activities in the homeland.

A moving part of the ceremony was the procession of more than 100 AYF Junior novices who took their “Promise to Service,” officiated by Sanan Shirinian, a member of the ARF Shant Student Association and Principal of Orange County’s Ari Guiragos-Minassian School.

The commitment by the youth to shepherd the Armenian Cause into the future and the critical role young people have played in our history, as well as in the present, was highlighted by Mirna Kassamanian, who delivered remarks on behalf of the AYF.

“The future of the Armenian Nation rests on the shoulders of the Armenian youth around the world,” said Kassamanian, who pointed to the decisive role the youth played in last spring’s popular movement—Velvet Revolution—that toppled the oppressive Armenian government to usher in a new day for Armenia and all Armenians.

“That [Velvet] revolution stamped the soul of every young Armenian to aspire to climb new heights,” added Kassamanian.

In his keynote remarks, Der Khachadourian, the ARF Bureau chairman, eloquently and comprehensively outlined the positions of the party vis-à-vis the myriad and complex challenges facing the Armenian Nation. He explained that the ARF, having been born to serve the people, has the mammoth task of ensuring the strengthening of Armenia, being uncompromising in the Artsakh struggle and realignment of the Diaspora to effectively address the needs of the nation.

“In the 21st century, the Armenian people and the homeland represent a diverse reality, where on the one hand, the Armenian people during the last 30 years have attained massive achievements—Armenia is independent; Artsakh is liberated; the people of Javakhk have firmly planted their feet to their soil; and the Diaspora has matured politically and is at the forefront—huge achievements, about which we could only dream in our youth,” said Der Khachadourian.

“On the other hand,” the ARF Bureau chairman added, “the Armenian people naturally are facing enormous challenges—the Artsakh issue; the political and socio-economic situation in Armenia; the defense of the basic rights of the Armenians in Javakhk; the reinvigoration and strengthening of the Diaspora; the reawakening of the Armenian living on historic lands; and the new aspects of the pursuit of the Armenian Cause.”

Der Khachadourian said that the Armenian Revolutionary Federation has a unique role in all the aforementioned aspects, with it global presence, adding that ARF is not merely a political party that functions in the homeland, it is that large force that works for the realizations of the aspirations of the Armenian people.

The Bureau chairman meticulously outlined the ARF’s activities since last spring’s popular movement in Armenia, which toppled the old regime, as well as the steps the party has taken since the December 9, 2018 parliamentary elections, as a result of which, the party has become an extra-parliamentary force.

Der Khachadourian made it clear that the ARF is unequivocal in its unwavering efforts to strengthen the homeland. It is relentless in ensuring that compromises are not made in the Artsakh issue, the successes of which were won through the sacred blood of our people. The ARF, he said, will continue to advance a just resolution of the Armenian Cause and pursue the recognition of and reparations for the Armenian Genocide. Through its worldwide structure and vast Diaspora presence and influence, the party will stop at nothing to advance the just aspirations of the Armenian Nation, because “for us our biggest asset is our homeland and for the Diaspora, the biggest focus and ambition is a return to the homeland.”

Melkon Melkonian delivered the evening’s message on behalf of the ARF Western U.S. Central Committee. He boldly challenged those who have questioned the ARF’s motives and mission and delineated the many accomplishments by individual chapters and the region as a whole—all projects and programs that aim to strengthen the homeland and advance the Armenian identity abroad.

“For those who ask, what or what the Tashnagtsutyun is: It is that same organization who led the formation of the First Armenian Republic in 1918; it is that same organization that sough and executed justice for the perpetrators of the Armenian Genocide; It is the same organization that organized and preserved our diasporas all over the world, by building schools, churches, and community centers to serve the needs of our people; it is the same organization that stopped at nothing to send aid to our brothers and sisters in Artsakh; it is the same organization that continues to tirelessly work for our people and nation,” said Melkonian in his remarks.

“Today standing before you, I do not want to merely recount our past successes, but I want to tell you—I must tell you—about our work and accomplishments; because as we celebrate today, we are also here to stand accountable to you, our people, from whom we were born, for who we exist. The success of that work does not belong to an individual, or even a group of individuals, it belongs to the collective strength of the ARF in our region,” added Melkonian, who went on to list some of the projects launched and initiated that have advanced the true calling of the ARF.

In keeping with tradition, the evening’s program began with a procession of flags and the signing of the National Anthems led by the Homenetmen Western Region scouts and marching band. Another presentation at the event, which has become customary over the years, was the in memoriam video, which honored those ARF members who passed away during the past year.

The program was interspersed with cultural performances, among them a dance performance by the Ararat Dance Ensemble under the direction of Albert Vartanyan; and rendition of patriotic song by the singer Mkrtich “makitch” Mkrtchyan. The evening finale was a thunderous performance by the Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School Choir, directed by Lucine Melksetyan who was accompanied on the piano by Sofi Sarkisyan.

BY DANIEL DARON SINANIAN
From Birthright Armenia Blog

“Lost time is never found” Benjamin Franklin.

Everything about this quote is 100% correct. When I as a kid, I always wanted to visit Armenia. My grandfather encouraged me to apply to Birthright Armenia as soon as I turn twenty-one years old. The years passed and my grandfather died in November 2014. Ever since his death, I have wanted to apply but didn’t do so until I turned twenty-four. This was the best decision I ever made. Birthright Armenia is a life-changing experience. You meet so many incredible people throughout this journey. This experience has by far more exciting than running my first half marathon when I was only twelve years old.

As my two-month journey started, extending my stay was not on my mind, but that is exactly what ended up happening. My two-month stay suddenly became a full three-month stay. The first day I was there was a culture shock, which lasted about a week or so. I wasn’t used to this type of environment, especially because I came from Los Angeles. What really changed me was the first excursion to Artsakh. Visiting Artsakh was filled with amazing experiences. The trip there changed my perspective. I couldn’t believe how beautiful the land was and how courageous the people were living in danger every day of their lives. We, in Los Angeles, have everything and yet we always find something to complain about. People in Armenia are happy, warm-hearted and are proud to be there for us. These are my people, they are like my family. Being there taught me a lot about patience and ambition.

Armenia taught me that we have to be grateful for what we have and we must help people who do not have our standard of living but do their best to enjoy life. Even with the struggles people face in Artsakh, I still managed to see a smile on the faces of every villager who welcomed us to their home. What I found to be most interesting was the generosity of the people of Artsakh. Neighbors from the villages would invite us in for a glass of wine or dinner. “Whatever the time, wherever the place, so long as you are Armenian, you’re part of our family,” I was told by more than one of the neighbors…when you are told that, you feel happier to be Armenian. We Armenians always stick together, we are all one, and that was especially confirmed when a neighbor told me so.

While I stayed in Yerevan, I lived with a local family who were so gracious to host me.  I volunteered at the Helsinki Human Rights Association and Orran. Working in Armenia taught me a lot about the working conditions.

One of the things I looked forward to were the excursions. Going on excursions made us grow. It helped us connect with one another and together. No one was left behind. Going to Meghri was inspiring, even though we were there for only a very short period of time.

While in Meghri, a family invited us into the home with open arms. Immediately, they left their house to buy food from the local market so that they could feed us a warm meal. As soon as they returned from the local market, they started serving us a full five-course meal, minus the kabob. The more excursions I would go on, the closer I got with the volunteers. I spent my first Christmas and New Year’s without my family. I spent it with my temporary family who will remain dear to my heart forever. The fact that it started to snow on New Year’s Day made it very special because it reminded me of my childhood when we used to visit my father’s family in Chicago.

I ended my trip by attending my friend’s engagement farewell dinner in Armenia. What a wonderful ending to a love affair. They met each other while at Birthright. Living in Armenia taught me about values and honor. It strengthened my Armenian identity.

I can’t thank my family back home enough and the Birthright family in Armenia for allowing me to be part of this amazing experience. Thanks to Birthright, I discovered a lot about myself and those around me. Everything you do in life is all meant to be done for a reason, a purpose, and a sacrifice. Spending a couple months of your life away from your family is something many people won’t be willing to do. I’m glad I did it and served my country.

Living in Yerevan impacted my life in many ways and that is one thing I’m never going to forget. Yerevan is a city full of many surprises and it’s where many people meet each other from all over the world. That’s exactly what happened to me.  I met Armenians from Europe and South America. I never expected to feel so close to people from all over the world. I am going to miss all of my new friends upon my return to Los Angeles. But I will surely be back in the future to reconnect with old and new friends. Thank you Birthright.

This has been a wonderful experience. I will see you again in the near future.

GLENDALE—Armenia’s Consul General to Los Angeles Dr. Armen Baibourtian visited Glendale City Hall on February 26, where Glendale Mayor Zareh Sinanyan hosted a reception in his honor.

Baibourtian was accompanied by Counselors of the Consulate General Varazdat Pahlavuni and Razmik Stepanyan,

Members of the Glendale City Council, Treasurer, City Attorney, City Manager, Chief of Police, Fire Chief, and City heads of departments were present at the function.

Zareh Sinanyan welcomed the Consul General, noting that the Glendale City authorities are delighted to render all possible support to the Consul General of Armenia and the staff of the Consulate General in carrying out their duties.

Baibourtian attached importance to the enhancement of strong bonds of cooperation between the Consulate General of Armenia and Glendale City authorities. He mentioned that Glendale, having the largest concentration of Armenian Americans in the United States, serves as a unique gateway for Armenia. Thus, strengthening of the partnership with the City of Glendale is among priorities of the Consulate General.

Mayor Zareh Sinanyan emphasized the fact that cooperation between the City of Glendale and the Consulate General of Armenia is based on a strong foundation. He mentioned that Glendale enjoys sister-city relations with Kapan and Gyumri in Armenia, though requires practical projects. The Consul General pledged his support in devising and realizing those plans.

BY STEVEN J. DER-HAROUTUNIAN

The recent call for replacing the national anthem, Mer Hairenik, with the former Soviet Armenia anthem can only be viewed as an attempt to drive a wedge between our people when in fact the purpose of the revolution was to unify our nation.

When the obvious why is asked, we are given some dribble about musicality, why of course citing the trivial and impertinent armchair criticisms of some otherwise respected musicologists as the basis. While I will defer to others to scientifically debate the merit of one tune over another an anthem on the other hand cannot simply be judge in that manner. A National anthem doesn’t exist in a vacuum.

How an anthem can be solely measured by its musical quality 100 years after its adoption is shocking to the conscious of most of our nation who has answered the call of that anthem and its flag and all those symbols which represent Armenia and give character to the long struggle of the Armenian nation for its freedom and independence.

That anthem captures the sacrifice made by countless patriotic men women and children in that struggle for independence whether that was standing on the front at Saradarabad in 1918, standing in a hall in Davenport Iowa in 1946, on the cliffs of Shoushi in 1992 or holding onto the faith as a family in the darkest days in the early 1990s and standing firm on their small plot of land and choosing to stay without food, warmth and often without adequate shelter and tough it out as Armenians on their ancestral land rather than to leave for the chance of a better life in Russia, Europe or America as thousands of others did.

That anthem tells their story. A sacred story. A story of faith, struggle for freedom to live and if necessary die as Armenians for Armenia rather than to live and then to disappear among other nations un-moored to their land and lost like flotsam in the sea.

That is what is so confusing about this whole artificial controversy. Why is the musicality of the anthem now being challenged and called for replacing? Who are these adventurist political figures that today call for that?

Mer Hairenik does not need to win a Grammy award or be at the top of a charts to be our anthem. Its musicality is judged by what is represents and that is first and foremost freedom. No alternative song blessed by those who took away that freedom and held Armenia as a vassal state in their empire can ever ever be our anthem no matter how pleasant a rhythm and lyrics it have upon the ear, it is an insult to the heart and soul of our freedom and independence and what was spent and it spent to keep it in blood, sweat and treasure.

Which brings us to the question: Why would anyone raise this issue today?

When the Prime Minister has stated that repatriation, economic investment and military preparedness are the goals of this new government, how does replacing a 100-year-old national anthem accomplish any of those? In fact all this toxic divisive proposal has done is divide our nation, when in fact we should be standing united to face the real challenges our country faces such as population loss, unemployment and under employment, economic dependence and exploitation, poverty, inadequate healthcare and the need for a vigilant defense.

Today we as a nation look to leaders who will address those existential threats to Armenia and in doing so once again unify us as a nation. Mer Hairneik is one of the key symbols that does that.

Our nation looks to the Armenian government to responsibly act to unify us a nation not allow for dangerous opportunists to divide us.

GLENDALE—The Armenian National Committee of America-Glenda Chapter held an appreciation evening for the city’s first responders at Phoenicia Restaurant on February 20.

The event was hosted by ANCA Glendale and St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church to recognize and honor the first responders of the Glendale Police and Fire departments and Emergency Medical Services.

“It was a successful night as we showed our appreciation jointly with our local Armenian organizations  to our first responders, for keeping Glendale one of the safest cities in the country,” said ANCA Glendale Co-Chair Ronnie Gharibian.

“During the past several years, the ANCA Glendale, in collaboration with the city’s police and fire departments, has been very successful in helping recruit more first responders,” explained Gharibian. “There are over 50 Armenians serving in uniform in the city, as well as many civilian employees.”

Currently, the City of Glendale is accepting applications for multiple open positions, among them emergency dispatch operators who serve as the first line of contact between individuals and the first responders.

“It very important to have Armenian-speaking workers is the emergency dispatch units,” said Gharibian.

After a successful event honoring Glendale police officers last year, the ANCA Glendale decided to broaden the scope and host an appreciation evening for all first responders.

The evening’s program began with opening prayers offered by St. Mary’s Parish Priest, Rev. Vazken Atmajian. This was followed by remarks from Glendale Mayor Zareh Sinanyan who commended the first responders and the important role they play in keeping the city safe. He also thanked ANCA Glendale for organizing the event.

Gharibian, the ANCA Glendale co-chair, introduced Glendale Police Chief Carl Povilaitis, who received  an appreciation plaque. Glendale Fire Chief Silvio Lanzas was introduced by ANCA Glendale co-chair Lucy Petrosian, who presented the appreciation plaque to the fire department.

St. Mary’s Board of Trustees chairman Rouben Gourjian, introduced the Emergency Medical Services and after relaying his personal experience with them, expressed gratitude to the first responders paramedics and invited the EMS members to the podium to accept the appreciation plaque.

Joining chiefs Povilaitis and Lanzas was the Director of Emergency Medical Services Cody Smith, and more than 60 uniformed men and women of the Police and Fire departments,

Glendale City Manager, Yasmin Beers, offered the evening closing remarks, in which she thanked the ANCA Glendale for the event.

Also attending the event were Counselors of Armenia’s Consulate General to Los Angeles, Varazdat Pahlavuni and Razmik Stepanyan.

Joining Mayor Sinanyan were Glendale City Councilmembers Paula Devine, Ara Najarian and Vartan Gharpetian. Along with City Manager Beers, Assistant City Manager Roubik Golanian, was also present, as was the City of Glendale Public Information Officer, Dan Bell.

Congressman Adam Schiff was represented by Mary Hovagimian, while Arda Tchakian represented State Senator Anthony Portantino.

Also in attendance were Glendale Community College Board chair Ann Ransford; Glendale Unified School District President Greg Krikorian, and GUSD Board member Dr. Armine Gharpetian, who were accompanied by Interim School Superintendent Kelly King.

Representatives from the ANCA-WR Board, as well as the neighboring Burbank and Crescenta Valley chapters attended the event, as did representatives of the local Glendale chapters of the Armenian Cultural Foundation, the Armenian Relief Society, the Homenetmen, the Armenian American Museum, the Davidian-Mariamian Educational Foundation and the Richard Tufenkian Pre-School.

ANCA Glendale would like to extend its appreciation to Garo Kirkjian for generously providing the evening’s wines and Phoenicia Restaurant for its spectacular service, as well as the ARS “Sepan” Chapter for its donation to the event.

The ANCA Glendale Chapter advocates for the social, economic, cultural, and political rights of Glendale’s Armenian American community and promotes increased civic participation at the grassroots and public policy levels.