WATERTOWN, MA – Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Representatives Joseph Knollenberg (R-MI), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Barney Frank (D-MA), Edolphus Towns (D-NY), Sue W. Kelly (R-NY), and Adam Schiff (D-CA) have joined Senator Jack Reed and Jim McGovern to co-sponsor the 8th Annual ANCA Capitol Hill Observance of the Armenian Genocide which will consist of a program and reception on Wednesday, April 17, in the Gold Room (Rm. 2168) of the Rayburn House Office Building, from 6 to 8 pm.

The Observance offers Members of Congress the opportunity to commemorate the Armenian Genocide along with members of the Armenian American community – including survivors of the Armenian Genocide – as well as leaders of human rights organizations, the diplomatic community, and members of the clergy.

In previous years, the Observance has attracted dozens of members of Congress, including: Senators Edward Kennedy (D-MA), John Kerry (D-MA), Joe Lieberman (D-CT), Paul Sarbanes (D-MD), Arlen Specter (R-PA), George Allen (R- VA), and Carl Levin (D-MI) and, from the House, Congressional Armenian Caucus Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ), International Relations Middle East Subcommittee Chairman Ben Gilman (R-NY), Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Representatives Xavier Becerra (D-CA), Eric Cantor (R-VA), Joseph Crowley (D-NY), David Bonior (D-MI), Nick Smith (R-MI), Mike Honda (D-CA), Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), Jim Langevin (D-RI), John E. Sweeney (R-NY), Sander Levin (D-MI), Michael McNulty (D-NY), Connie Morella (R-MD), Steven Rothman (D-NJ), Brad Sherman (D-CA), and Mark Souder (R-IN). The Republic of Armeniais Ambassador to the United States, The Honorable Armen Kirakossian and Nagorno Karabagh Representative Vardan Barseghian have also been present, as well as a number of dignitaries from several foreign embassies.

The Armenian American community is cordially invited to join Members of Congress in marking the 87th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

For further information or to RSVP, individuals may contact the Armenian National Committee of America Eastern Region (80 Bigelow Ave., Watertown, MA 02472; 617-923-1918/Fax 617-926-5525; email ancaer@mediaone.net).

The Armenian National Committee of America is the largest and most influential Armenian-American grassroots political organization. The ANCA actively advances a broad range of issues of concern to the Armenian-American community.

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