The Armenian community in Los Angeles gathered on Wednesday to commemorate the 1.5 million Armenians who lost their lives in what is considered the first genocide of the 20th century. The event began with a rally in LA’s Little Armenia district, followed by a march down Hollywood Boulevard. A separate march was planned to conclude with a demonstration outside the consulate of Turkey, the successor state to the Ottoman Empire, which was responsible for the deportations and massacres of Armenians. This annual remembrance day has been observed by the Armenian community in Los Angeles long before President Joe Biden officially acknowledged the genocide in 2021 by using the term “genocide” in his statement.
President Biden’s use of the term “genocide” in his statement on Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day marked a significant shift from previous administrations, which had avoided using the term to avoid straining relations with Turkey, a NATO ally that denies the genocide. Biden’s statement on April 24, 2021, recalled the start of the “campaign of cruelty” in 1915, when Armenian intellectuals and community leaders were arrested. The acknowledgment of the Armenian Genocide by the President was a momentous occasion for the Armenian community in Los Angeles and worldwide, who have long sought recognition and justice for the atrocities committed against their ancestors.
The Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day holds deep significance for the Armenian community in Los Angeles, which has a large diaspora that traces its roots back to the genocide. The community has been actively involved in advocating for recognition and remembrance of the genocide, including holding annual events like marches, rallies, and ceremonies. The events in Los Angeles bring together community members, leaders, and supporters to honor the memory of the victims and ensure that the atrocities are not forgotten. The solidarity and unity displayed during these events serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the Armenian people in the face of historical trauma.
The march in Los Angeles is part of a global movement to remember and honor the victims of the Armenian Genocide, which took place over a century ago but still carries deep emotional and historical significance for Armenians around the world. The events in Los Angeles also highlight the ongoing quest for justice and recognition for the genocide, as well as the importance of educating future generations about this dark chapter in history. The Armenian community in Los Angeles continues to push for international recognition of the genocide and for accountability for the crimes committed against their ancestors. Through events like the march on Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, the community seeks to raise awareness and ensure that the memory of the victims lives on.
As the Armenian community in Los Angeles and around the world commemorates the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, the events serve as a stark reminder of the need to confront and acknowledge the horrors of the past. The march in Los Angeles and other activities organized by the Armenian community are not only about honoring the memory of the victims but also about seeking justice, recognition, and reconciliation. The symbolism of the Armenian flag flying on the streets of Los Angeles during the march speaks to the resilience and determination of the Armenian people to ensure that the atrocities of the past are not forgotten. The events in Los Angeles on Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day are a testament to the strength and unity of the Armenian community in their pursuit of truth, justice, and remembrance.
