LAS VEGAS—On Friday, September 25, the 24th anniversary of Armenia’s independence was celebrated in Las Vegas. The cultural program followed by a reception was organized by St. Garabed Church Parish Council and Ladies Auxiliary under the auspices of Las Vegas Honorary Consul Adroushan Andy Armenian.
Gvidon Stambultsyan, master of ceremonies, acknowledged participating organizations and after a brief introduction invited the audience to stand for the national anthems followed by a flags presentation by Homenetmen Artsakh Chapter scouts.
Valery Mkrtoumian, Republic of Armenia Deputy Consul General from Los Angeles, during his opening remarks congratulated the growing Las Vegas Armenian-American community and underscored the importance of having a strong and developing Armenia, a strong and developing Artsakh, and vibrant Armenian diaspora communities.
As part of the cultural program Asdghig Dadourian recited poems by Silva Kaputikyan, Kevork Emin, Vahan Tekeyan and others which were greatly appreciated by the audience. Additionally there were several young performers who played the piano and recited Armenian poems and sang patriotic songs. The Armenian Evangelical Church choir also participated and brought the performance to a standing ovation with “Yerevan Erepouni” by Edgar Havanessian.
Closing remarks were delivered by Honorary Consul Adroushan Andy Armenian who thanked all the participants and the organizers and underlined the importance of the day’s cultural event where so many young performers and adults participated, demonstrating that the Armenian culture and heritage is alive and will pass on from one generation to another and will continue to strengthen within diaspora communities.
Armenian invited Board Members of the Armenian-American Cultural Society of Las Vegas to seal a “Time Capsule” that will be placed in the foundation of the Las Vegas Armenian Genocide Memorial Monument being built at Sunset Park. Participating organizations placed memorabilia items in the capsule, which was then ceremonially sealed. The monument construction is expected to be complete by the end of October with an inauguration ceremony planned for mid-November 2015.
In appreciation of Asdghig Dadourian’s commitment to promote the Armenian culture, a certificate of recognition was presented to her by Deputy Consul General Mkrtoumian and Honororary Consul Andy Armenian. Additionally St. Garabed Church Parish Pastor Der Arsen Kassabian and Parish Council President Garabed Bedirian presented Dadourian with an Armenian Holy Bible.
The festivities continued till late in the evening, with dinner followed by songs and dances in the church courtyard.
Source: Asbarez
Link: Republic of Armenia’s 24th Independence Day Celebration in Las Vegas