PASADENA ARMENIAN GENOCIDE MEMORIAL COMMITTEE

GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA HONORS VOLUNTEERS AND CELEBRATES
STATE RESOLUTION FOR ARMENIAN GENOCIDE MEMORIAL 210-FREEWAY SIGNS

* * * FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE * * *

PAGMC Volunteer & Partner Appreciation Dinner, January 25, 2018, Geragos Hall, Pasadena, CA.

PASADENA, CA – On January 25, 2018 nearly three hundred community leaders, supporters, and organizations from the Greater Los Angeles area gathered at Geragos Hall of the Saint Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church in Pasadena to celebrate the volunteers who dedicated time and professional resources to the Pasadena Armenian Genocide Memorial project. The event was organized by the Pasadena Armenian Genocide Memorial Committee (PAGMC) in light of the State of California adopting a resolution to install “Pasadena Armenian Genocide Memorial” freeway signs on the 210 freeway.

The State resolution was introduced in the State Senate by former PAGMC board member and current State Senator Anthony Portantino. David George Gevorkyan, PAGMC Treasurer and Chair of the Organizing Committee, explained that the communities of the San Gabriel Valley, the San Fernando Valley, and the Greater Los Angeles area celebrate another victory of bringing awareness to the Armenian, Greek, and Syrian Genocide, the Jewish Holocaust, and all genocides that followed. “I am proud we are working together to bring attention to history and prevent future atrocities. Department of Transportation statistics report an average of 304,000 cars pass on the 210 Freeway each day. Serving as more than a way-finder, over 110 million people will see the Armenian Genocide freeway signs annually,” Gevorkyan stated.

Notable guests included 27th District Congresswoman Judy Chu, guest speakers California State Senator Anthony Portantino and Pasadena Mayor Terry Tornek, State Assemblymember Chris Holden, Pasadena Councilmembers Gene Masuda and Tyron Hampton, Gardena Councilmember Art Kaskanian, South Pasadena Mayor Pro Tempore Dr. Marina Khubesrian, South Pasadena Unified School District Board Clerk Dr. Suzie Abajian, Glendale Unified School District Board Clerk Jennifer Freemon, Glendale Community College Board Trustee Yvette Vartanian Davis, 5th District County Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s Chief of Staff Anna Mouradian, City of Glendale Interim Police Chief Carl Povilaitis and Captain Tim Feeley, County Sheriff’s Deputies including Chief Eric Parra and Commander Kevin Hebert, Armenia's first Consul General in Los Angeles Dr. Armen Baibourtian, and Armenian’s current Deputy Consul Valery Mkrtumyan.

Pasadena Armenian Cultural Foundation presenting $5,000 donation towards the Armenian Genocide Memorial freeway signs. From left to right: Judge Dickran Tevrizian (retired), Sandra Siraganian, Edna Karinski, Bob Kalunian, Lee Wochner, David Gevorkyan, Arman Baghdoian, Soghig Yepremian, Avo Kechichian, Levon Filian, Gary Jerjerian

The opening ceremony was performed by Homenetmen Pasadena "Azadamard" Chapter’s Scouts and the invocation was given by members of the clergy representing the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church and the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America. Assemblymember Chris Holden led the pledge of allegiance and delivered opening remarks and Congresswoman Judy Chu spoke about the federal government and the Armenian Genocide.

Mayor Terry Tornek reflected on his 2017 Pasadena Sister-Cities Committee mayoral visit to Armenia (@PasadenaVanadzor2017<https://www.facebook.com/PasadenaVanadzor2017>) the historic significance of the Armenian-American community in Pasadena. “It was a privilege to participate in the event acknowledging those who worked so hard to plan and build the Armenian Genocide Memorial.  The opportunity to educate our residents, particularly our children, about this terrible episode in the world’s history is invaluable.  Further, I believe that this memorial will become one of Pasadena’s most cherished sites,” said Mayor Tornek.

Senator Portantino discussed the State resolution efforts of approving the Armenian Genocide freeway signs and issues of interest to the Armenian-American community. “I am proud to be a part of this historic moment and to pay tribute to the victims of the Armenian Genocide with an appropriate memorial in Pasadena,” Portantino said. “The Memorial and the directional signs will help our community raise awareness while serving as a constant reminder that we must continue to fight crimes against humanity,” he concluded. As Master of Ceremonies, David Gevorkyan stated “We are thankful to Senator Portantino for his incredible leadership in the State Senate and greatly value Mayor Tornek’s deep commitment to the residents of Pasadena.”

Community organizations joining the celebration included the Pasadena Armenian Cultural Foundation and Pasadena ACF Chair Arman Baghdoian, the Armenian National Committee of America Pasadena Chapter, the Armenian Assembly of America represented by Western Region Director Mihran Toumajan, the American Hellenic Council represented by Executive Director Ioannis Fidanakis, Organization for Istanbul Armenians and its President Mark Kosker, the Pasadena Recreations & Parks Commission, the Pasadena Sister-Cities Committee (PSSC), and others.

Among the partner organizations being honored included the Pasadena ArtCenter College of Design. The institution played a central role in the design and development of the Pasadena Armenian Genocide Memorial, designed by then ArtCenter student Catherine Menard, which was unveiled during the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. ArtCenter President Lorne Buchman voiced the college’s commitment to impacting global society through art and design and the significance of the Armenian Genocide Memorial project for the ArtCenter College of Design.

The Community Foundation of the Verdugos (CFV), established in the 1960s managing over $15 million in various community and scholarship funds, including the Pasadena Armenian Genocide Memorial Fund, serves as the project’s fiduciary agent. CFV Board Member Lee Wochner stated that the Community Foundation of the Verdugos was proud to partner with the community on the Armenian Genocide Memorial project and remained deeply committed to its success.

The event included youth performances from the Hayastan Cultural Center with a Duduk solo, a Dhol ensemble, and vocal performance of Armenian folk song “Kilikia” by Nektarine Chilyan. All proceeds from the event will be dedicated to the CalTrans manufacturing and installation of the freeway signs scheduled to be unveiled for the 103rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.