Day: April 16, 2024
Agnesa Kirakosian in the ring
Agnesa ‘Spitfire’ Kirakosian has cemented herself as the first Armenian bare knuckle boxing champion. Her journey to hoisting the coveted BYB Super Flyweight title wasn’t always as straightforward as her jabs.
Kirakosian was born and raised in Vagharshapat, located just west of Yerevan, Armenia. Before boxing, she was introduced to a variety of sports that ultimately did not click with her.
“When I was a little kid, they put me in swim, gymnastics, art and forced me to do dance…my brother used to go to karate, and then I would always dress up in his state outfit and be like, teach me moves! And then I would always be fighting with him and other kids in Armenia,” Kirakosian said to the Armenian Weekly.
When she was nine years old, her family moved to the Los Angeles area, where she currently resides. ‘Spitfire’ told the Weekly that her time at Glendale Community College was pivotal in her introduction to the sport of boxing. Seeing the college’s boxers train for the first time drew her into combat sports.
“I thought that was so cool. They were training super hard, and it looked fun. It looked interesting, like, what are they doing? It looked like a Rocky movie,” Kirakosian explained. “I kept going past them, and I was looking at them, and they asked me, ‘Hey, do you want to come join?’ So now people ask me like, when did you choose boxing? I say boxing chose me.”
That’s when the roots of her love for boxing were planted. But her family was initially hesitant when they found out about Kirakosian’s desire to box.
“They tried really hard to sit me down and talk to me and say that it’s not a good idea. My dad was like, ‘Why don’t you go play tennis?’” Kirakosian said. “My dad plays the electric guitar. He actually had a band in Armenia Spyurk…I was like, ‘Why don’t you go play the flute then?’ And he kind of got the point, like, why would I go play tennis?”
“They tried really hard to discourage me and get me out of it, but nothing worked, because it was the true passion that I had, and I didn’t listen to anyone. I just followed what I wanted to do,” Kirakosian continued.
Her family would eventually get on board with her dreams, especially her brother.
“My brother was the only one who actually believed in me. He was the only one who was on my side, and he was like, come on, if she wants to do it, let her do it,” Kirakosian added. “Now they actually support me, and my dad helps me mentally. And when we were growing up, I felt like he would always play Bruce Lee movies. They have fights in them too.”
It wasn’t until 2021 that Kirakosian made her official pro boxing debut along the border of California, Arizona and Mexico. She defeated Sarahi Juarex Godinez, the hometown boxer, wasting no time with a TKO within seconds.
“I was super nervous, and I was really excited. I was just thinking, how am I going to do? And then I did everything that I was supposed to do,” Kirakosian said.
In total, Kirakosian holds an 11-2 amateur boxing record and a 6-1 pro boxing record, including three bare knuckle bouts. The boxing gloves would soon come off as Kirakosian entered the world of bare knuckle boxing.
“I got a really good opportunity from BYB, and my coach told me about it, that they had an offer for a contract to be on their card and fight in Dubai. I wasn’t really able to get more fights for boxing, and honestly, it wasn’t really paying as much. So I said, you know what, I’m down. Let’s do it if that’s what it takes. I want to go to Dubai and fight and rep my country,” Kirakosian explained.
The switch to bare knuckle boxing has been fruitful for Kirakosian. Debuting on March 18, 2023 for BYB Extreme Bare Knuckle (just 21 days after her final boxing bout), Kirakosian scored a unanimous decision win over Mariana Kamara.
Later that year, Kirakosian stepped into the ring again for a battle with Jessica Link that ended in another unanimous decision win for the Armenian in the fight of the night at BYB 21.
Kirakosian’s success culminated on April 4, 2024 when she battled Shelby Cannon for the BYB Super Flyweight title in Florida. She said the physical preparations were just the tip of the iceberg.
“It was super hard and intense. It feels like the fights have gotten harder and harder each time. It was nerve-wracking, because I was just nervous all of the time, and I was training twice a day. Training with weightlifting, boxing, running, cardio, sparring…it’s like a spiritual, mental, physical fight. It takes a lot out of you. That’s why I’m glad I had my family supporting me and my friends,” Kirakosian said.
For Kirakosian, overcoming the mental challenge that the fight game brings was crucial to her success. “I love the whole thing about pushing yourself as much as you can and seeing where you’re at, but most of the time, I never felt like I was doing good. I feel like I’m doing bad at camp, and then you’re scared, like how is it going to go,” she reflected.
All of her hard work would indeed pay off.
“During the fight, I felt like I started slow. I don’t know what was up with me. I was super nervous. I felt like, woah, this girl is stronger than I thought,” Kirakosian recalled. “And then I was like, you know what, now I gotta box. She made my nose bleed, and that woke me up.”
Her hand was hoisted up in victory for the BYB Super Flyweight championship.
“It’s basically in the judges’ hands, and I was praying to God. And when they raised my hand, I was for a second so relieved. All I could do was praise God, because we got the victory, and we were training for that. I wanted to perform my absolute best – and I got that. And even when I look back I’m like, man I could’ve done this better. I want to fight her again right now so I can do it way better, but I did everything I could in that moment, so I have to just give myself props instead of tear myself down,” Kirakosian said.
Prior to Kirakosian’s title victory, she made sure to bring the Armenian flag with her during the faceoff with her opponent. She says she takes a lot of pride in her people and where she comes from.
“It’s really important for me to represent my country, because we come from a small nation that’s been fighting our whole lives, even before we were born. Through so many genocides…we’ve been survivors, and I feel like every Armenian that succeeds in life, we’re a representation of our little country. They tried to overcome us, and they didn’t. I am proud to be an Armenian. It means a lot to be able to come from such a small country and represent who we are, and doing it in fighting just shows the fighting spirit that we have,” Kirakosian said.
Kirakosian is now enjoying her title victory to the fullest. Immediately following her fight, she was in pain from sustaining a broken hand during the fight. That led to an overnight stay in the emergency room. She credits the people around her during that hospital visit and eventual discharge for keeping her spirits high despite the injury.
“The celebrations are happening now that I’m over it. I still have the pain and still haven’t done the surgery, but now it’s starting to hit me that, you know what, honestly I’d rather have a broken hand than a loss. Now I can enjoy it,” Kirakosian said.
Now, Kirakosian has shifted her focus to recovery and a future title defense. Through her experience leading up to her title fight and what followed, Kirakosian wants to help others smell the roses and appreciate what is in front of them. “I’ve been through a lot of stuff, and that’s what it all comes down to – perspective. Changing your mindset,” she said.
Author information
Jason Takhtadjian
Jason Takhtadjian is a reporter, producer and weekend anchor at KCAU-TV in Sioux City, Iowa. Takhtadjian began college pursuing Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Aerospace until deciding to pursue a sports broadcast career after one semester at the University of Nevada – Las Vegas. While at UNLV, Takhtadjian worked on his own weekly radio show/podcast covering soccer and basketball, produced his own sports debate show, was part of the university’s weekly sports show “The Rebel Report” and was the play-by-play commentator for UNLV men’s and women’s soccer and basketball, to name a few. When the COVID-19 pandemic started, Jason was graduating college and had to pivot to the world of general news to land a job. Three years after accepting a job in the middle of the United States with no Armenian community, Takhtadjian accepted a reporter position at KSEE in Fresno, California. The 26-year-old also worked as a contributor for Armenian Sports News, helping grow the page by thousands of followers in less than a year of work.
|
The post Agnesa Kirakosian on fighting her way to a bare knuckle boxing title victory appeared first on The Armenian Weekly.
The post Agnesa Kirakosian on fighting her way to a bare knuckle boxing title victory first appeared on The South Caucasus News.
Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira in the octagon
Arman Tsarukyan has etched his name among the great Armenian mixed martial artists to have graced the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
27-year-old Tsarukyan, who was born in Georgia to Armenian parents and raised in Russia, earned a split decision win against former lighter champion Charles ‘Do Bronx’ Oliveira at UFC 300 in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 13.
The stage was set for a memorable night. Dubbed “the greatest card in combat sports history” by UFC President Dana White, UFC 300 was more than just an event – it was a spectacle. 21 of the 26 fighters on UFC 300 had previously headlined a UFC main event. 12 current and former UFC champions, along with 20 ranked fighters, all stepped into the octagon Saturday night.
Tsarukyan was among the fighters who walked out of Sin City victorious.
Tsarukyan’s fight was scheduled as the second fight of the main card. Following Bo Nikal’s second round submission win over Cody Brundage, Tsarukyan was slated to walk out to the octagon first. As Tsarukyan proceeded to the center of T-Mobile Arena, he appeared to lunge toward a member of the crowd after derogatory language was spewed his way. Tsarukayn was immediately restrained and swiftly continued towards the octagon. He took time to address the quick altercation during his post-fight press conference.
Even UFC President Dana White defended Tsarukyan’s actions: “Yeah you might not want to hang over the thing (rail) and grab people when they’re walking out. These guys are all (expletive) piped up and whatever, and I’m sure we’re probably going to get sued. We’ll deal with that on Monday too.”
The arena jumbotron depicted the Armenian flag, and Tsarukyan walked out to “Yarkhushta,” a traditional Armenian folk song. 20,067 fans filled the arena that night, and Armenian flags were found all over the stands. Despite a pro-Oliveira crowd (seven Brazilian fighters competed on UFC 300), chants of “Arman!” were noticeable from the media row located on the top floor of T-Mobile arena.
Tsarukyan spoke about what it means to represent Armenia: “When I see Armenian flags, it motivates me a lot, you know, and I get excited. You can imagine how much I want to win when I see Armenian flags, because we are a small country and no one…was in that position where I am now, and I want to bring that belt (to) Armenia (for) the first time in their life.”
The three-round bout began with Oliveira on the attack, ultimately finding Tsarukyan in a headlock that had the rowdy crowd on its feet early. For what felt like an eternity, Tsarukyan was placed in a guillotine choke that turned his face red. Tsarukyan was able to roll off his back, pop his head out of the lock and continue the fight, even securing top position momentarily. Towards the end of round one, referee Mark Smith stopped the fight momentarily when Oliveira landed an up kick to Tsarukyan, until Tsarukyan shrugged off doctors and proceeded. Despite Tsarukyan’s persistence to avoid submission, all three judges scored the first round 10-9 in favor of Oliveira.
The level of respect both fighters had for one another was noticeable throughout the fight. Prior to each round, Tsarukyan and Oliveira embraced one another with a handshake and hug in the center circle before throwing down. Tsarukyan called Oliveira one of the most likable fighters in the UFC: “He is one of the most humble guys in our division. That’s why people like him a lot. I was thinking he was going to right away jump on me, you know, he’s not going to like shake my hand. But like yeah, he did, and he’s such a nice guy and a good fighter and a former champion.”
The second round was all Tsarukyan. To open the round, the fighters exchanged blows before Tsarukyan partially landed an impressive axe kick and followed with a takedown. Oliveira found himself on his back trying to avoid a myriad of combinations thrown by Tsarukyan with his fists and elbows. That offense proved to pay off with Oliveira sustaining a cut to his head. Tsarukyan used a mix of punches, elbows and grappling to keep Oliveira at bay. The three judges gave Tsarukyan a 10-9 advantage in the second round.
With both fighters accumulating 19 points from the judges, the third round would decide the victor (also known as the “championship round”). Tsarukyan and Oliveira put on a show for the thousands in attendance and the millions watching at home. Tsarukyan continued to dominate with his striking while Oliveira ended the final fraction of the fight holding Tsarukyan in another submission lock, sticking his tongue out in celebration of his assumed victory.
The fight went the distance and landed in the judges’ laps to decide a winner. The judges did not come to a consensus in the final round, so a split decision was needed. Two judges scored the third round 10-9 in favor of Tsarukyan, granting him the biggest win of his MMA career so far. The only judge to score the third round 10-9 in favor of Oliveira was Mike Bell, an American-Armenian.
Immediately following Tsarukyan’s victory, he was offered the fight of a lifetime – a lightweight title shot against Islam Makhachev, the pound-for-pound best fighter in the UFC.
However, during an interview on The MMA Hour, Tsarukyan explained why he turned down the fight on short notice: “When I left the octagon, right away Hunter [Campbell] came and said, ‘June 1. Islam [Makhachev].’ I said, ‘I got to think.’ Seven weeks left. I can’t jump too fast. I gotta rest a little bit and then have camp. If it was at the end of June, I would take that fight…I want to be ready, and I want to have a full training camp. Why, if I’m the number one contender, why I gotta take the risk?”
Tsarukyan is now 22-3-0 in his MMA career and has won nine out of his last 10 fights in the UFC. It remains to be seen if Tsarukyan will take a different fight in the summer to stay sharp in preparation for a lightweight title fight against the winner of Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 in Newark, New Jersey.
Author information
Jason Takhtadjian
Jason Takhtadjian is a reporter, producer and weekend anchor at KCAU-TV in Sioux City, Iowa. Takhtadjian began college pursuing Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Aerospace until deciding to pursue a sports broadcast career after one semester at the University of Nevada – Las Vegas. While at UNLV, Takhtadjian worked on his own weekly radio show/podcast covering soccer and basketball, produced his own sports debate show, was part of the university’s weekly sports show “The Rebel Report” and was the play-by-play commentator for UNLV men’s and women’s soccer and basketball, to name a few. When the COVID-19 pandemic started, Jason was graduating college and had to pivot to the world of general news to land a job. Three years after accepting a job in the middle of the United States with no Armenian community, Takhtadjian accepted a reporter position at KSEE in Fresno, California. The 26-year-old also worked as a contributor for Armenian Sports News, helping grow the page by thousands of followers in less than a year of work.
|
The post Arman Tsarukyan earns biggest win of his MMA career appeared first on The Armenian Weekly.
The post Arman Tsarukyan earns biggest win of his MMA career first appeared on The South Caucasus News.
The post Bob Menendez Poised to Blame His Wife in Bribery Case Defense – Bloomberg first appeared on The South Caucasus News.
Truly, comrade
— Shaun Maguire (@shaunmmaguire) April 16, 2024
The post @shaunmmaguire: RT by @visegrad24: @elonmusk Truly, comrade first appeared on JOSSICA – The Journal of the Open Source Strategic Intelligence and Counterintelligence Analysis.
Far worse indeed! Soviet-level.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 16, 2024
The post @elonmusk: RT by @visegrad24: @shaunmmaguire Far worse indeed! Soviet-level. first appeared on JOSSICA – The Journal of the Open Source Strategic Intelligence and Counterintelligence Analysis.
GLENDALE, Calif.—Sona Zeitlian (nee Simonian), educator, ethnographer, historian, award-winning author of Armenian women’s history, ARS member, Armenian women’s studies trailblazer and distinguished author of the history of the Armenians in Egypt, was honored for her 70 years of service jubilee by both Central Executive Boards (CEB) of the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) and the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society during a program organized by the ARS of Western USA on April 7, 2024, at the Krikor and Mariam Karamanoukian Glendale Youth Center hall.
Hundreds of attendees came to celebrate Zeitlian’s lifelong achievements, flocking from Egypt, Lebanon, Canada, the Eastern USA and from closer locations across California including Davis, San Diego and the Los Angeles/Orange County basin. The event not only brought the ARS and Hamazkayin families together, but also honoree’s family members, who provided their perspectives and recollections of being associated with an extraordinarily bright thinker who single-handedly preserved oral Armenian women’s history, pioneered the contributions of Armenian women and became herself a role-model heroine.
Opening remarks were made by ARS of Western USA Regional Executive chairperson Vicky Marashlian, who presented Zeitlian’s 70 years of service to the Armenian people as a role model with her wisdom, patience and dedication. Marashlian read a congratulatory letter from author Krikor Beledian of Paris, France. Later, she was joined by Arousyak Melkonian, ARS CEB chairperson, to present commendations from the newly-elected Mayor of Glendale (Calif.) Elen Asatryan and a certificate of recognition from Congressman Adam Schiff, who represents California’s 30th Congressional District.
Western Diocese of the Armenian Church Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian’s representative, Rev. Fr. Njdeh Keshishian, read His Eminence’s congratulatory remarks, reminding those present that HH Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II awarded Zeitlian with a Pontifical Encyclical in 2015.
The program emcee Susanna Davtyan, secretary of the ARS of Western USA Regional Executive and principal of the ARS Glendale “Sepan” chapter “S. Hatsbanian” Saturday School
Sona Madarian, who serves on the Board of Regents of the ARS School, presented the honoree as a teacher, researcher, author and historian who documented the oral history of the elderly Musa Ler survivors who were living in Ainjar, Lebanon and published the first book on the role of Armenian women in the revolutionary movement. She noted that Zeitlian was a trailblazer for Armenian women’s studies, unearthing their historical roles and influence in the political and health realms. Madarian emphasized Zeitlian’s role as a faithful widow, mother and grandmother who persevered almost five decades ago after the loss of her husband, Sarkis, who was an ARF Bureau member.
Award-winning architect, poet and political observer Hraztan Zeitlian presented his mother’s unique qualities: her writings pursued a progressive feminist agenda to persuade others to follow her lead; her 1968 book about Armenian revolutionary women paved the way for the establishment of the Armenian women’s studies field; her research on Armenian women was a trailblazer pioneering work; her work presented Armenian women as agents of change, empowering women’s equity and equality; her work evolved into the intersection of women’s issues, community and civil society; her cultural ethnology studies were accessible and purposeful with social and political aims; and she advocated self-organization for the Diaspora communities for the development of the Armenian character.
The program was emceed by Susanna Davtyan and included soloist Haykuhi Babakhanian’s performance of two folk songs as well as a performance by a dozen of the ARS Sepan (Glendale) Chapter’s Salpe Hatzbanian Saturday School students of the “Grateful Animals,” a children’s story written by Zeitlian based on the oral traditions of the women of Musa Ler (Musa Dagh). A video message from Prof. Talar Chahinian of the University of California Irvine (UCI) Center for Armenian Studies explained how Zeitlan’s pivotal books and papers on Armenian women were the forerunners of Armenian women’s studies programs. She added that her public presentations and workshops have pioneered a model for advocacy for women’s rights and inclusion. Prof. Chahinian congratulated Zeitlian on her resourcefulness and tenacity in navigating institutional restrictions to accomplish her research advocating for women’s rights.
Viggo Zeitlian, a high school senior and talented varsity football player, explained how his opinion of his doting grandmother evolved as he and his older brother Kyle became old enough to participate in discussions with her. He explained that her passion for learning and discussing was tangible and exciting, and he feels inspired as the recipient of her tenacity, wisdom and guidance.
Prof. Heghnar Zeitlian Waternpaugh, an award-winning author who teaches art history at the University of California, Davis, recalled that as a child, she had little idea of her mother’s second life as a scholar. She saw her mother working on papers in the kitchen or at a desk; at the time, the honoree was writing a series of books for teenage readers on Armenian legends, such as Haig Nahabed and Ara Keghetsig. When Waternpaugh was old enough to read those stories, her mother wanted to know how her writing could connect with someone like her. While The Role of Armenian Women during the Revolutionary Movement had been published in 1968 before Waternpaugh was born, it was much later that she realized the importance of that book. When her mother first tried researching Armenian women, even the Armenian men in leadership roles discouraged her from pursuing her subject. While there were no readily available records about women’s role in history, her mother invented her research methods and writing style.
Zakar Keshishian, CEB chair of the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society, said that heroes are not just those who die on the front; they are also those who are asked to go to the front, who dedicate their lives to a mission for their community. He described Zeitlian as such a heroine. He asked the other Hamazkayin CEB member, Dr. Dikran Babikian, to join him in awarding Zeitlian with Hamazkayin’s medal of honor for her contributions to literature.
ARS CEB chairperson Melkonian remarked that as ARS volunteers, it is undoubtedly a proud moment to recognize someone like Zeitlian, a heroine in every sense of the word, the likes of whom will rarely come in the history of our nation. Melkonian remarked that Zeitlian has been an exemplary and outstanding ARS member with many years of tireless service to the organization. Her various literary, documentary and research works immortalized Armenian women’s virtues, courage, endurance and patriotism and validated the Armenian mother and grandmother’s role in preserving and disseminating national traditions. Zeitlian brought to life the unknown stories of countless heroines so that they would sound like ringing bell towers and light the paths for future generations. Zeitlian exemplified the embodiment of all those special virtues that she described in her own writings and inspired others to tackle present and future challenges.
Honoree Sona Zeitlian pictured with (l. to r.) ARS CEB member Annie Keshishian (treasurer), ARS of Western USA Regional Executive members Haigo Barsamian (advisor), Vicky Marashlian (chairperson), Seda Khojayan (advisor) and ARS CEB members Arousyak Melkonian (chairperson) and Zharmen Mirzakhanyan (advisor)
ARS CEB members Annie Kechichian, treasurer, and Zharmen Mirzakhanyan, advisor, joined Melkonian to award Zeitlian the CEB certificate and the Michael Aram commemorative plate with the ARS logo.
Finally, it was time to hear from the honoree herself. Zeitlian thanked the ARS and Hamazkayin executives, her family members who came from far away to attend the gathering, the organizers, attendees and all those who expressed their congratulations in writing, including former students and sometimes their children from Egypt and Lebanon. She noted that throughout her life, from Cairo to Ainjar, from Beirut to North and South America, as well as Canada, she has tried to be helpful for the sake of the advancement of Armenian women and their vital role in Armenia’s heroic history, from the revolutionary movement through the First Republic of Armenia. When she was in Ainjar for the first time, she wrote down the stories that represented the values and beliefs of the people of Musa Ler who were displaced from their homeland. She aimed to communicate their legacy to the generations living away from the homeland, instilling pride in their identity. She got involved with women’s organizations by delivering lectures related to social and domestic issues and the protection of women’s rights in the homeland and diaspora. Her solitary work, which began in the 60s, has expanded as programs and courses have been established in women’s studies and the role of women has progressed. Zeitlian reaffirmed her belief that collectively Armenians can strive for the advancement of Armenian women and the common good.
Following the program’s end, the excitement continued as attendees got a chance to meet with the honoree and congratulate her with smiles and bouquets of flowers.
Author information
Guest Contributor
Guest contributions to the Armenian Weekly are informative articles or press releases written and submitted by members of the community.
|
The post ARS & Hamazkayin celebrate Sona Zeitlian’s trailblazing 70 years of service jubilee appeared first on The Armenian Weekly.
The post ARS & Hamazkayin celebrate Sona Zeitlian’s trailblazing 70 years of service jubilee first appeared on The South Caucasus News.
For the 109th commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, the cities of Waukegan and North Chicago in Illinois held flag raising ceremonies in solidarity with the Armenian community on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. The solemn ceremonies not only honored the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide, one of the first genocides of the 20th century, but also the recent genocide committed by Azerbaijan, with the help of Turkey, against 150,000 Armenians in Artsakh.
The ceremony in Waukegan saw the unfurling of the Armenian flag for the second time, symbolizing resilience and remembrance. The Haroian family members were honored as the godfathers to the flag raising event this year. The event gathered over two dozen individuals, including Mayor Ann Taylor.
Master of ceremonies Armen Alexanian led the proceedings, setting a tone of reverence and reflection. Ken Hachikian, representing the Armenian National Committee of Illinois, delivered a powerful address, highlighting the significance of acknowledging historical injustices and standing against all forms of genocide in the present.
Mayor Taylor echoed sentiments of support and solidarity, acknowledging the importance of honoring the memory of those lost to genocide and standing against present-day atrocities. She also expressed thanks for how Armenians have helped and continue to build the Waukegan community.
After the flag blessing by Rev. Fr. Samuel Ajemian and Rev. Fr. Andreas Garabedian, the Armenian flag flew high in Waukegan.
In North Chicago, approximately 20 individuals, including Mayor Leon Rockingham Jr., gathered to pay homage to those who perished in one of the darkest chapters of human history. Led by long-time community members Artin Dermenjian and Sarkis Peltekian, honored as the godfathers of the flag, the ceremony symbolized resilience and unwavering commitment to preserving the memory of the genocide’s victims.
Alexanian guided the proceedings as the master of ceremonies, and Hachikian from the ANC-Illinois offered his reflections. Mayor Rockingham Jr. read and delivered a proclamation reaffirming North Chicago’s commitment to upholding the values of justice and remembrance.
The communities of Waukegan and North Chicago came together to commemorate, reflect and reaffirm their commitment to never forget. The flag raising ceremonies served as poignant reminders of the resilience of the Armenians who have endured unimaginable suffering. They underscored the need to confront the past while advocating for a future free from persecution and violence. As the Armenian flag flew high in Illinois, it served as a beacon of hope and resilience, reminding all present of the enduring spirit of those who have suffered and the importance of never forgetting and never again.
Author information
Guest Contributor
Guest contributions to the Armenian Weekly are informative articles or press releases written and submitted by members of the community.
|
The post Illinois communities hold flag raisings to commemorate Armenian Genocide appeared first on The Armenian Weekly.
The post Illinois communities hold flag raisings to commemorate Armenian Genocide first appeared on The South Caucasus News.
