Armenian Americans from across the United States joined today with System Of A Down’s Serj Tankian and John Dolmayan at a Washington, DC “Rally for Justice,” urging the Turkish Government to end its worldwide campaign of Armenian Genocide denial. Organized by the Armenian National Committee of Greater Washington (ANC-GW) and the Armenian Youth Federation Washington Chapter, the protest attracted over 1,000 activists to the Turkish Embassy, as Armenians worldwide marked the 91st anniversary of this crime against humanity.
Tankian and Dolmayan are in Washington, DC as part of a three-day advocacy tour in support of Congressional recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Following participation in the rally on Monday, the band members will be meeting with Members of Congress and the media urging passage of legislation in the Senate and House that would recognize the Armenian Genocide.
On Tuesday evening, Tankian and Dolmayan will host a screening of excerpts of “Screamers,” a powerful film by Carla Garapedian about System of a Down’s international anti-genocide advocacy efforts. On Wednesday evening, they will be honored for their vocal pursuit of justice for the Armenian Genocide at the annual Armenian Genocide observance on Capitol Hill.
Armenian Youth Federation Washington Chapter chairman Serouj Aprahamian noted that genocide recognition efforts are ongoing. “We will continue our efforts not just on April 24th but all year round. Through education, organization and activism we will move our cause forward and ensure justice for Armenians and all humanity,” noted Aprahamian.
Following the demonstration, attendees walked to the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia for a short service and wreath-laying ceremony. Members of local Armenian organizations placed wreaths and flowers in front of the Khachkar (stone cross). The ceremony was led by Ambassador Tatoul Markarian and featured remarks by Nagorno Karabakh representative Vardan Barseghyan, and the participation of the Washington Homenetmen Armenian Scouting
