20th-Anniversary Celebration of Armenia's Independence Organized by AGBU

"The best characteristics of a nation can be manifested under conditions of independence." – Hovig Eordekian

The 20th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Armenia was observed in the presence of hundreds at the AGBU Pasadena Center on Sunday evening, September 18, 2011. Organized by the AGBU Glendale-Pasadena and San Fernando Valley Chapters, the event was attended by Chief Consul of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles Grigor Hovhannisian, AGBU Vice President Sinan Sinanian, AGBU Central Board member Dr. Yervant Zorian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, and representatives of the press and public organizations.

Western District Chairman Haig Messerlian delivered opening remarks against the backdrop of exceptional stage décor, which had been conceived and prepared by Manoog Satamian. "Beginning from the days of the first republic, and continuing in the subsequent decades, AGBU has always been present in the sacred efforts toward the prosperity of the homeland. Today as well, the situation is the same," Messerlian said.

A sincere friend to Armenians, Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) gave a salutary address, in which he noted the role of the Armenian people of California in increasing the state's prosperity. He also did not hesitate to stress that the principle of self-determination must be respected in the resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Chief Consul Grigor Hovhannisian also delivered congratulatory remarks.

The keynote speaker of the day was Mr. Hovig Eordekian, Deputy Director of the AGBU Armenia Representation Office, who was invited especially from Yerevan for the occasion. Beginning his speech by reading Armenia's Declaration of Independence, he touched on the prevailing political and military situation in the homeland twenty years ago, and regarded the declaration of Armenia's independence as a necessity. "The blood of the Armenians who fought for the soil of the homeland was sanctified through the reestablishment of Armenian statehood," he said and added, "It is necessary to develop and value independence because the best characteristics of a nation can be manifested under conditions of independence." Mr. Eordekian also spoke about the challenges faced by Armenia. As a diasporan having lived and worked in the homeland for many years already, he assured those present that the coming years will be those "of recovery and the manifestation of collective will." The main speaker also recognized the enormous assistance and contributions being made by AGBU in practically all fields throughout Armenia.

Especially noteworthy was the large youth participation throughout the event – the AGBU Glendale-Pasadena and San Fernando Valley scout troops marched during the opening of the program and the AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School Glee Club enhanced the festive atmosphere with their rendition of patriotic songs, featuring a solo by 4th grader Emilie Besnilian, under the direction of Miss Arus Andreassian. Additionally, Hovig Babian (AGBU Pasadena Chapter scout) and Delilah Shahbazian (Manoogian-Demirdjian School student) each gave impressions of their visits to Armenia this summer. Hovig was present at the jamboree held at AGBU Camp Antranik in the Lori region, while Delilah made the journey with her fellow eleventh-grade students during the school's annual trip.

A high-quality cultural program with the participation of professional artists brought great applause from audience members. Star reciter Nune Avetisian presented a bouquet of patriotic poems from Yeghishe Charents, Hovhannes Shiraz and Gevork Emin. Vatche Mankerian, coordinator of Armenian studies at USC and well-known pianist, played his own composition "Komitas Poem," inspired by one of the great Komitas's masterpieces. Haroutune Bedelian, renowned violinist and professor of violin at UCI, played Aram Khachaturian's "Song Poem" and "Girl's Dance," accompanied on the piano by his talented wife Lorna Griffitt.

Since Armenia's independence, AGBU has dutifully allocated around 130 million dollars to programs in Armenia, and a documentary film depicting these contributions was shown. Lastly, concluding remarks and benediction were delivered by Archbishop Derderian. A reception took place in the courtyard of the Center following the celebration.

Members of the Organizing Committee were Garo Babian, Nazo Mukhtarian, Krikor Satamian, Hratch Sepetjian (who also acted as the program's emcee) and Maral Vosgian, with additional support provided by Haig Messerlian, Manoog Satamian, Shahe Seuylemezian, Shake Toumayan and Ara Yessaian.