Los Angeles commemorates Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day – NBC Los Angeles

Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day was solemnly observed across Southern California on Wednesday, marking the 109th anniversary of the tragic events that are widely recognized as the first genocide of the 20th century.

Edward Barsoumian of the Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region emphasized the importance of acknowledging the genocide, stating, “Genocide denied is genocide repeated.” He highlighted the ongoing efforts by Turkey and Azerbaijan to eradicate the Armenian people, drawing parallels to the atrocities committed during the Armenian Genocide of 1915, where an estimated 1.5 million Armenians were killed.

On April 24, 1915, Ottoman authorities arrested Armenian intellectuals and community leaders in Constantinople, leading to the mass killings. Despite overwhelming evidence, Turkey continues to deny that the deaths constituted genocide, attributing them to civil war and unrest.

In a show of solidarity and remembrance, schools in the Los Angeles and Glendale unified school districts were closed for the day. The LAUSD Board of Education and Glendale Unified School District have long recognized the significance of Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, with the former adopting a policy in 2020 and the latter granting the day off since the 2013-14 school year.

Various events were held across Southern California to honor the memory of the victims. From marches for justice in East Hollywood to community-wide commemorations in Montebello and protests outside the Turkish Consulate General in Beverly Hills, the Armenian community and its allies came together to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the genocide. Adventist Health Glendale also held a prayer and tribute service, with notable speakers like Rep. Adam Schiff in attendance.