ACA Joins Hundreds of Armenian Americans for the 111th Armenian Genocide Commemoration on Capitol Hill
The Armenian Council of America (ACA) proudly joined community leaders, advocates, policymakers, Armenian American organizations, and human rights advocates on Capitol Hill on April 15 for the 111th Armenian Genocide Commemoration, held in the Rayburn House Office Building under the theme “From Remembrance to Responsibility.”
Hosted by the Congressional Armenian Caucus, the observance brought together a strong bipartisan group of lawmakers and reflected continued congressional recognition that the Armenian Genocide is not only a matter of historical truth, but also a call to confront present-day injustice. The program drew an extraordinary show of bipartisan support, with Senator Schiff and 25 Members of Congress delivering powerful remarks, including House Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi, reaffirming the United States’ enduring commitment to truth, justice, and remembrance. Maryland General Assembly Delegate Lorig Charkoudian also attended the event.
Dr. Robert Krikorian, a retired U.S. State Department official from the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, served as Master of Ceremonies. The program opened with solemn invocations by Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetian of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church in Washington, D.C., and Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian of Sourp Khatch Armenian Apostolic Church in Washington, D.C. Thoughtful remarks were also delivered by Talin Yacoubian, Co-Chair of the Board of Directors of the Armenian Assembly of America, and Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America.
Throughout the evening, lawmakers and advocates drew a direct line between the Ottoman Turkish government’s genocide of 1915 and the persecution, forced displacement, and erasure faced by Armenians in Artsakh. Together, the program served as a powerful reminder that remembrance must be paired with responsibility and action.
“After 111 years of Turkish denial, this year’s commemoration renews our resolve and reinforces the enduring strength of the Armenian people,” said Taniel Koushakjian, ACA Executive Director of Government Relations in Washington, DC. “As we honor the victims of the Armenian Genocide, we must also confront the realities of today—where accountability for crimes against humanity, credible deterrence, and the defense of human rights remain unfinished work. We are deeply grateful for all of the members of Congress for their participation tonight and for their continued support,” Koushakjian said.
The Armenian Council of America remains committed to advocating for sustained American policy that acknowledges the Armenian Genocide, supports justice for the Armenian people, and addresses the ongoing consequences of genocide, displacement, and impunity.
