Armenian Genocide Remembered

Many of the refugees that came to America joined the U.S. military to fight during World War I because Turkey had allied themselves with Germany. Turkey remained neutral during WWII, then joined the NATO in 1952. They have consistently denied that they participated in the genocide of Armenians. This has sparked many debates and has prompted Armenians in America to call for the U.S. to recognize the Armenian Genocide, however that recognition has not been given. Recently Congressman Adam Schiff pressed Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on her opposition to the recognition. During an appropriations hearing, Schiff asked if Rice believed that the murder of 1.5 million Armenians could be characterized as anything other than genocide, but she did not give a direct response.

Krikorian said that a dialogue to recognize the genocide is important and that he is proud of the students in the Glendale district who have taken up the cause to educate the community on this tragic event.

On Monday, April 23, four of the district's high schools, including Crescenta Valley High School and Clark Magnet High, will be presenting the seventh annual genocide commemoration.

"The important part is that this gives the students a sense of social responsibility, to educate the community on man's inhumanity to man and to [educate] about the denial," Krikorian said. "It is a great event for the community to come to."

There are several events taking place this week. "Week of Remembrance" and a blood drive are being held on Sunday, April 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Mary's Church at 500 S. Central Ave.

A Genocide Commemoration is planned at Glendale High School. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the event begins at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 23. Glendale High School is located at 1440 E. Broadway.

Armenian Genocide Remembrance is being held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday April 24 at the Alex Theatre at 216 N. Brand Blvd.

Admission to all of the above events are free.