AYF to rally in memory of Armenian Genocide victims

PanARMENIAN.Net - With a week left to the annual day of commemoration for the Armenian Genocide, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) and the ARF Shant Student Association (SSA) are once again joining to organize an annual youth rally to unite and ignite the community around the memory of its martyred ancestors and their longing for freedom, the AYF press office told PanARMENIAN.Net



The rally will take place on Sunday April 19 at 6pm at the Pasadena Armenian Center on 740 E. Washington Blvd. Pasadena CA.



The keynote speaker of the evening will be California State Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, who has been a long time supporter of the Armenian community and works closely with the Armenian National Committee in Pasadena. The Rally will also feature musical performances from local artists, as well as speeches by various community and student group leaders. The Youth Rally is free of charge and open to the public.



"The evening's goal is to raise awareness of the injustices that exist in the world, focusing on the first genocide of the 20th century, the Armenian Genocide," said Armen Aboulian, the chairman of the SSA. "We use this opportunity and this date not only as a day to renew our struggle for justice, but also as a day to take a solid stance in investing in the future of the Armenian people."



"We are true believers that the only way to predict our future, is to make it ourselves," he added. "In looking at our past and considering what our forefathers have endured, we feel a responsibility, almost an obligation to make our future in such a way that makes the dreams of the Armenian people come true."