The annual Armenian Genocide Memorial Day on April 24th serves as a solemn reminder of the atrocities suffered by the Armenian people. In recognition of this significant day, both the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and the Glendale Unified School District will be closed. This decision underscores the importance of remembering and honoring the 1.5 million Armenians who perished in the early 20th century. As communities come together to reflect and pay tribute, various events and commemorations are planned throughout the Los Angeles area.
This article will delve into the reasons behind the school closures, highlight the planned remembrance activities, and emphasize the importance of acknowledging the Armenian Genocide. Understanding the historical context and the ongoing efforts for recognition are crucial steps toward fostering empathy and preventing future genocides. Join us as we explore the significance of Armenian Genocide Memorial Day and its impact on the local and global community.
LAUSD and Glendale Schools to Close for Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day
On Thursday, schools within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and the Glendale Unified School District will be closed to commemorate Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day. This closure marks the 110th anniversary of the start of what scholars widely recognize as the first genocide of the 20th century. The decision to close schools reflects a commitment to educating students and the broader community about this tragic event in history.
The LAUSD Board of Education officially adopted a policy in 2020 mandating the closure of schools on Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day. Glendale Unified School District has observed this day with school closures since the 2013-14 school year, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to honoring the victims and raising awareness about the Armenian Genocide.
Furthermore, in 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law establishing Genocide Remembrance Day as a state holiday to be observed on April 24. This law permits public schools and community colleges to close in observance of the holiday, reinforcing the importance of remembrance and education at the state level. The closures allow students, teachers, and community members to participate in remembrance activities and reflect on the significance of this day.
Commemoration Events in Montebello, Beverly Hills, and Glendale
To mark Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, several significant events are scheduled throughout the Los Angeles area. These events provide opportunities for the community to come together, pay their respects, and reflect on the historical significance of the Armenian Genocide.
A religious ceremony and flower placement will be held at the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Monument in Montebello at 10 a.m. This solemn event serves as a tribute to the victims of the genocide, offering a space for quiet reflection and remembrance. The Armenian Youth Federation is organizing the “Rally Four Our Future,” which will take place at noon outside the Turkish Consulate General in Beverly Hills. This rally aims to raise awareness and advocate for justice and recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
In Glendale, the “Demand For Justice Community Rally” is set to begin at Glendale City Hall at 5:30 p.m., providing a platform for community members to voice their concerns and demand accountability. Additionally, the Truth And Accountability League will host a tribute event from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Glendale Central Library’s auditorium. This event will remember the victims of the genocide and honor eight elected officials and community leaders for their public service, visionary leadership, and unwavering empathy.
Tribute Event to Honor Elected Officials and Community Leaders
The Truth And Accountability League’s tribute event at the Glendale Central Library’s auditorium will not only remember the victims of the Armenian Genocide but also honor eight distinguished elected officials and community leaders. These individuals are being recognized for their exceptional public service, visionary leadership, and unwavering empathy.
Assemblymember Nick Schultz, a Democrat representing Burbank, will be among the honorees and the featured speaker at the event. His presence underscores the importance of political leadership in acknowledging and addressing historical injustices. Other honorees include attorney Mark Geragos and Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang, both of whom have demonstrated a commitment to serving their communities and advocating for justice.
The commemoration is free and open to the public, encouraging broad community participation. The event will feature speeches by dignitaries, a pre-program reception, and an awards ceremony, providing a comprehensive and engaging experience for all attendees. This tribute serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing and honoring those who champion truth and accountability.
Los Angeles County Declares Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day
In a significant move, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted on April 15 to declare April 24 as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day in Los Angeles County. This declaration formalizes the county’s commitment to remembering the victims of the Armenian Genocide and raising awareness about its historical significance.
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger emphasized the importance of this recognition, stating, “Honoring the victims of the Armenian Genocide is both a solemn responsibility and a powerful act of remembrance. We must ensure their stories are not forgotten and that we continue to raise awareness about the atrocities they endured — and those that are still happening today. The recent forced displacement of Armenians from Artsakh underscores the ongoing struggle for justice and recognition.”
Barger further affirmed Los Angeles County’s dedication to truth and human dignity, stating, “Los Angeles County will continue to be a voice for truth and human dignity.” This declaration reflects the county’s broader commitment to supporting its large Armenian population and advocating for justice and recognition on a global scale.
Los Angeles: Home to the Largest Armenian Diaspora
The Los Angeles area holds particular significance as it is home to the largest population of Armenians in the world outside of Armenia itself. This vibrant and thriving community has deep roots in the region, contributing significantly to the cultural, economic, and social fabric of Los Angeles. The presence of such a large Armenian diaspora underscores the importance of recognizing and commemorating the Armenian Genocide within the local community.
The historical context of April 24, 1915, is crucial to understanding the significance of Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day. On this day, Ottoman authorities arrested Armenian intellectuals and community leaders in Constantinople, setting in motion a series of events that led to the systematic extermination of an estimated 1.5 million people. This day of remembrance serves as a solemn tribute to those who lost their lives and a reminder of the ongoing need for recognition and justice.
Turkey, however, denies that these deaths constituted genocide, claiming that the toll has been inflated and that those killed were victims of civil war and unrest. This denial remains a contentious issue and a significant barrier to reconciliation and healing. Despite this denial, the international community increasingly recognizes the Armenian Genocide, acknowledging the historical evidence and the suffering of the Armenian people.
Remembering the Past, Advocating for the Future
The closure of schools in Los Angeles and Glendale for Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day is a powerful statement about the importance of remembering historical injustices and educating future generations. The various commemoration events planned throughout the region offer opportunities for community members to come together, pay their respects, and reflect on the significance of this day.
As Los Angeles County continues to recognize April 24 as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, it reaffirms its commitment to truth, human dignity, and justice. The large Armenian diaspora in Los Angeles serves as a constant reminder of the importance of acknowledging this tragic event and advocating for recognition on a global scale. By remembering the past, we can work towards a future where such atrocities are never repeated, and the stories of the victims are never forgotten.
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