Hollywood, CA - This year on April 24, the Armenian community gathered in Los Angeles for the 106th commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. The diaspora woke up to great news that morning, as President Biden became the first President in the U.S. to recognize and call the mass killings of 1.5 million Armenians a Genocide.
Armenian protesters marching (Photo by Mary Paronyan)
Protestor Louisa Sharamatyan shared her thoughts regarding the recognition. " Are we allowed to be happy? Are we allowed to share this joy? Let's take it step by step."
Armenians are happy to see that a big goal has been reached after all these decades. Congressman Adam Schiff has been a big help into getting this issue resolved for many years. He was able to urge President Biden into taking this step. "It was a very long struggle, for decades to get to this moment. What made it particularly challenging is the vigorous and well-funded opposition by Turkey and it's allies, but we overcame" said Schiff during an interview.
This step indeed let Armenians exhale all the stress, yet this isn't the end. Theres more work to be done, such as helping the prisoners of war be released. Last year, Armenians all over the world experienced overstimulation during the time of war, and have been working hard to help the men who risked their lives to protect their motherland during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War. Many women and men are being held as hostages by Azerbaijani soldiers. Adam Schiff mentioned in his speech during the Genocide march that he is working on resolving their release.
Video Credit: NBC News
Video Credit: Mary Paronyan
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By: Mary Paronyan
With contributions from Louisa Sharamatyan and Congressman Adam Schiff
Video: Youtube NBC News
Photo: Mary Paronyan
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