Los Angeles, CA – The Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) participated in the “Demand For Justice” rally in recognition of the 110th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, on Thursday, April 24, 2025 in Glendale, California, in an event organized by the Armenian Genocide Committee, Los Angeles.
Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) delivering remarks. Photo credit: Shahe Melelian, Arka Photo
Assembly Co-Chair Talin Yacoubian represented the organization, and David Ojakian, Assembly Western Region Director, served as master of ceremonies. The commemoration included remarks by Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), Ara Najarian, Mayor of Glendale, State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez (SD-25), and State Assemblymember John Harabedian (AD-41).
“The Armenian people have endured genocide, exile and erasure, but we are still here, and we are not asking for charity. We are demanding accountability, security and peace. The United States has long stood as a beacon for human rights and self-determination. In this moment, we ask all Americans and all those committed to prevent genocide, to stand with Armenia and the Aremnain people in pursuit of justice, to secure the release of the hostages and to ensure a lasting peace. For a people who have suffered too long, this is how we honor the past by refusing to be silent in the face of injustice today,” said Armenian Assembly Co-Chair Talin Yacoubian.
Assembly Western Region Director David Ojakian serving as Master of Ceremonies of the community rally inside Glendale City Hall’s Parcher Plaza. Photo credit: Shahe Melelian, Arka Photo
Additionally, Assembly Southern California Regional Council member Jim Melikian was in attendance, along with Ed Constantian, member of the Assembly’s LA County Regional Committee.
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Also in attendance were Assembly Advocacy Summit scholarship recipients, including Artur Melikian, Milena Davtyan and Meline Martirosyan.
(l-r): Director of Nexus Armenia Program Sarkis Karabashian, Advocacy Scholar Artur Melikian, Assembly Western Region Director David Ojakian, Terjenian-Thomas Intern Coordinator and Alumna Milena Davtyan, Ed Constantian, Intern Alumna Mireille Samra
Cultural performances were provided by the Hamazkayin Nayirian Choir and Honorable Artist of Armenia, Berj Karazian, accompanied by Hripsime Rshtuni and choir conductor Lusine Meliksetyan.
The flag ceremony was presented by Homenetmen Western Region Scouts and AGBU Pasadena Scouts, and the American and Armenian National Anthems were performed by Berj Karazian, while the Artsakh Anthem was performed by Aret Boghosyan, a student from Artsakh.
Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.
Armenian Assembly of America
Main Photo Caption:
(l-r): Assembly Co-Chair Talin Yacoubian, Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian, State Assemblymember John Harabedian (AD-41), Reverend Serop Megerditchian, Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian, Archbishop Kegham Khatcherian, Prelate, Western Prelacy of the Armenian Church
Photo credit: Shahe Melelian, Arka Photo