Armenian People

It is sad that racist and prejudiced attitudes still have a stronghold in American life. The letter to Glendale News-Press clearly demonstrates that it is the attitude of people like the writer that has caused genocides and holocausts throughout history. Armenians are not a perfect people, but they have contributed greatly to the American way of life along with a multitude of other cultures that comprise this nation. In Mr. Carney's view, the only way one can truly be honored as an American is if he/she enlists in the military and "fights for his country."

The News-Press is right when it says a black and ominous cloud is hovering over our city ("Call the recall effort for what it is," Aug. 20). And that's about the only thing they got right. The petition not having merit? What does the public do to show our outrage at our officials who choose to completely ignore the concerns of the people? I say that is exactly why we have a process called recall. It is as much a part of our system as voting is. It is evident that the News-Press, along with others, cannot identify with our feelings for our flag.

I have read with interest the various opinions on the American flag issue. I would like to make a proposal that might suit everyone. My parents arrived from Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1958. They had been subjected to sectarian violence and came to America to seek a better life for their family. It wasn't until I was an adult that I realized the significance of the St. Patrick's Day parade in New York City every March 17. It is a celebration of cultural and historical pride and power.

The cartoon by Joseph Adamian on the subject of the Armenian Genocide that was printed in the Glendale News-Press on Oct. 30 was reprehensible. The racially stereotyped depiction of the Turk with the leer, the huge hooked nose, heavy eyebrows and Turkish carpet should never have been printed. It reminds me of the World War II Nazi propaganda posters depicting the Jews as subhuman, baby-eating monsters. While I sympathize with the Armenian people on the lack of recognition for their tragedy and realize they are fighting for an important principle, I deplore the offhand characterization of any ethnic group in such a way. What will you be printing next; a circa-1900 drawing of an African-American shuffling along with a silly grin eating a slice of watermelon?

Dear President Bush, We are very disappointed in reading in our local newspapers that you and some other high congressional Republicans are working hard to defeat the Armenian Genocide Bill submitted by Congressman Adam Schiff (D-Glendale) and working in favor of the Turks. A few questions and comments: 1. What did the Armenians do to you to deserve this treatment from you and your associates? 2. Most, if not all, Armenians voted for you in 2000.

The major ethnic group in Glendale is Armenian. Why shouldn't we respect their values by lowering the American flag? The Armenian people have been victims of genocide, just like the Jews in the Holocaust. The direct descendant of the Ottoman Empire, Turkey, has not recognized the genocide as Germany has with the Holocaust. I can understand what every Armenian in Glendale is going through because my grandparents were victims of the Holocaust and it makes me very frustrated when I see other citizens trying to stop the lowering of the flag.

As part of his tour of Southern California, the spiritual leader of Armenian Catholics is scheduled to visit the Brand Library in Glendale Wednesday. Hundreds of people are expected to turn up for a chance to meet His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia and spiritual leader of Armenian Diaspora, who will speak during a forum titled "Community Forum entitled “The Armenian Church, Youth, & General Concerns of the Armenian People. " He will also be signing his book, "Taking the Church to the People.

A Boston-based dance company that tells the story of Armenia's past will stop in Glendale on Jan. 15 as part of its national tour. The Sayat Nova dance company will perform, “Journey Through Time,' which is a new production for the company, which is entering its 25th year. With over 20 dancers, the performance begins by paying homage to St. Krikor Lousavorich and Armenia's conversion to Christianity. Followed by a meditation on the Battle of Avarayr, the dance also tells the story of the 1915 Armenian genocide and how it particularly affected Armenian composer Gomidas Vartabed.

Mark R. Madler With a message to never forget and to hope for justice for its victims, the 89th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide was commemorated Thursday night in a student-created program at Glendale High School attended by nearly 300 people. Kicked off by the national anthems of both the United States and Armenia, the program featured poetry, speeches and interpretive dance. "This is not a celebration, but a commemoration," said Ani Minassian, senior class president at Glendale High School.

Documentaries, speakers and dance performances will highlight two commemorative events during the Glendale's annual Week of Remembrance. The Armenian Genocide will be the focus of an April 23 event will be from 2 to 2:30 p.m. at the Alex Theatre. "Man's Inhumanity to Man" will be the theme of the second event on April 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Glendale Police Department Community Room. The Alex Theatre is at 216 N. Brand Blvd. and the GPD community room is inside the station at 131 N. Isabel St. April 24 marks the 91st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

On a Saturday night some 98 years ago this week, more than 200 Armenian intellectuals and community leaders living in Constantinople, today's Istanbul, were rounded up by the government. The political party in power, the "Young Turks," did not want their kind in the country, breathing the same air, using the same resources, making lives for themselves and their families. They were imprisoned and most were later executed. Were it not for the prominence of the victims of that April 24, 1915 event, there might have been even further delay in word spreading across the globe that a systematic elimination of Armenians was underway.

A Boston-based dance company that tells the story of Armenia's past will stop in Glendale on Jan. 15 as part of its national tour. The Sayat Nova dance company will perform, “Journey Through Time,' which is a new production for the company, which is entering its 25th year. With over 20 dancers, the performance begins by paying homage to St. Krikor Lousavorich and Armenia's conversion to Christianity. Followed by a meditation on the Battle of Avarayr, the dance also tells the story of the 1915 Armenian genocide and how it particularly affected Armenian composer Gomidas Vartabed.

As part of his tour of Southern California, the spiritual leader of Armenian Catholics is scheduled to visit the Brand Library in Glendale Wednesday. Hundreds of people are expected to turn up for a chance to meet His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia and spiritual leader of Armenian Diaspora, who will speak during a forum titled "Community Forum entitled “The Armenian Church, Youth, & General Concerns of the Armenian People. " He will also be signing his book, "Taking the Church to the People.

On the heels of the 96th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, more than 1,000 members of the Armenian Diaspora gathered Sunday at St. Mary's Apostolic Church to commemorate their community's historic struggles, and celebrate their cultural successes. The event, titled “One Voice, One Cause,” was organized by the Armenian Youth Federation and featured Harout Pamboujkian — one of the most celebrated musicians in the Armenian community — as well as DJ Bei Ru, whose vintage vinyl sampling fused with hip-hop, funk and soul have earned him widespread recognition.

The annual Armenian Genocide observance and commemoration at the Alex Theatre reminds us of certain unavoidable facts. As an elected official, let me state them from my heart in words so clear as to command their assent. We must never forget the Armenian Genocide and the inhumanity surrounding this tragic event. We must bring inexhaustible energy, heart and sense of purpose to ending the unmitigated shame and understated disgrace at the failure of our government in Washington to formally recognize this tragedy as historic fact.

On Oct. 16, your paper published another letter concerning the Armenian Genocide. While I do not intend to dismiss the concerns of the Armenian community, I think that Armenians should consider the history of the United States before they demand that the U.S. insist that Turkey issue an official apology to Armenia. Please consider that the United States has never — in whole or in part — apologized to the Native Americans for the genocide that was committed against them. California was especially guilty of the killings of thousands of native Californians.

Commemorating Armenian Genocide The week of remembrance in our city, and the annual Armenian Genocide observance and commemoration at the Alex Theatre, reminds us of two unavoidable and irrevocable facts. As an elected official, let me state them now from my heart in words so clear as to command their assent. We must never forget the Armenian Genocide and the indecency, inhumanity and the legacy of evil surrounding this tragic event. And, we must bring inexhaustible energy, heart, mind and sense of purpose and duty to ending the unmitigated shame and understated disgrace at the failure of our government in Washington to formally recognize this tragedy as historic fact.

I clearly remember my first April 24 experience. I could not have been any older than 7 or 8 when my mom took me to a protest that was organized at the grounds of our neighborhood Armenian church. I even remember the taxi driver. He was a middle-aged Iranian man with a heavy 5 o’clock shadow. As he pulled up to the gates of the St. Sarkis Church in Tehran, he was puzzled by the dense and vociferous group of protesters. He asked (in Persian): “What are you Armenians protesting against?

The owners of Abril Bookstore in Glendale hope to entertain and educate others about Armenian literature during a two-day celebration showcasing play readings, art workshops and dance. Store owner Harout Yeretzian and his son and store manager, Arno Yeretzian, are sponsoring the event, “Abrink: Festival of Armenian Literature and Culture,” Nov. 22 and 23 at the Glendale Central Library Auditorium. The festival’s purpose is to introduce the community to the culture of the Armenian people, Arno Yeretzian said.