Sincere Thanks to Glendale’s 2009 Annual Commemoration Event Committee


Not only the citizens of Glendale, California but all those pursuing the cause of justice anywhere in the world should count this city’s 2009 commemorative events focusing on “Man’s Inhumanity to Man” as an important cultural contribution to genocide awareness and condemnation.

The Brand Library art exhibit (which continues through May 8), music and poetry, Day of Art and Thought, the local high schools’ joint program at Glendale High School Auditorium, the Glendale Public Library discussion, and the Alex Theater April 24 commemoration were all professionally produced and deeply moving.

Political expedience and denial must continue to be met with such firm affirmations as these of humanity’s essential dignity and the healing power of truth.

I especially appreciated artists’, participants’ and elected leaders’ positive messages. I summarized Day of Art and Thought panel discussants’ comments in this post. At the Alex Theater event, Councilmember Ara Najarian related the story of his grandfather, rescued at the age of 5 by an American missionary, who throughout his life treasured the Bible she had given him. Mayor Frank Quintero, also speaking at the Alex Theater, told the audience he learned during years of work in the community that every Armenian family had a story and he affirmed their need to preserve these stories. Keynote speaker Mark Arax spoke quietly but intensely about his ancestors’ experiences, and the need for Armenian unity and focus in pursuit of justice.

Councilmember John Drayman wrote in a letter to the Glendale News Press, published April 24, that we must continue to right for recognition:

…because prejudice and hatred and brutality must never find a resting place safe enough or a grave deep enough to hide or silence the injustice of the Armenian Genocide and the impact upon its descendants.


I experienced a strong contrast to these positive messages at the Luna Playhouse event. Gourgen Yanikian’s monologue focused on individual despair and helplessness. While very powerful, despair is an unlikely catalyst for positive change (Yanikian’s despair didn’t serve his goal in the end).

Throughout the city this month, Glendale offered many chances for reflection and renewed commitment to the pursuit of truth and justice, and against the crime of genocide whenever and wherever it occurs.

I congratulate the city and its event committee for a thoughtful, sensitive, and relevant program of events. It should have had a national and international audience as well as a local one.

Thank you to:

The City of Glendale 2009 Annual Commemoration Event Committee: Chairperson and Glendale Councilmember Ara J. Najarian, Ara Aharonian, Lena Bozoyan, Peter Darakjian, Elissa Glickman, Razmik Grigorian, Jeero Habeshian, Levon Marashlian, Leonard Manoukian, Barry McComb, George Chapjian, Dean Lopez, Ripsime Marashian, Zizette Mullins, Ritch Wells
The City of Glendale Arts and Culture Commission
• City of Glendale Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department
• Glendale Public Library/Brand Library
• Advanced Development & Investment, Inc.
• Alex Theater Armenian Genocide Commemoration Co-sponsors:
Glendale Parks, Recreation and Community Services, Glendale Arts, Glendale News-Press, St.Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church of Glendale, Armenian Relief Society “Sepan” Chapter, Armenian Cultural Foundation Glendale Chapter