135th Anniversary of ARF Celebrated in Glendale
The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western U.S. Central Committee marked the 135th anniversary of the party’s founding at a celebration that brought together organizational leaders, elected officials and community members at the Alex Theatre in Glendale on Sunday.
Under the slogan of “Homeland, Identity, Empowerment” the event became an opportunity to reaffirm the ARF’s mission and dedication to the Armenian nation and the homeland.
The event’s keynote speaker was ARF Bureau member Lilit Galstyan, who is a member of the Armenian National Assembly representing the opposition Hayastan bloc. In her remarks, she touched on the challenges facing Armenia and the Armenian nation, with a clear message: “Do not surrender, but fight.”
“We are gathered today to mark the 135th anniversary of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation at a pivotal and historic moment. Armenia and the Armenian people are currently facing one of the most challenging and decisive periods in our history. The regime presently in power—elected based on grand promises—has instead left a devastating legacy marked by systemic failure. The loss of Artsakh was only the beginning. Armenia’s setbacks have not ceased, they have deepened,” Galstyan said in a portion of her remarks delivered in English.
“Today, the domestic and foreign agendas of Armenia are largely dictated by Baku and Ankara. The authorities, motivated primarily by a desire to maintain their hold on power, seem prepared to make any concession, including those demanded by Aliyev. These concessions extend to constitutional changes and the abandonment of the core values that define our national identity. We are witnessing a direct attack on the foundational elements of our identity: our Church, our history, and our national symbols,” she added.
Galstyan explained that the only way out of the crisis is to change the current regime, adding that the ARF has already undertaken steps and has engaged in series of consultation to engage like-minded entities in this fight.
“We carry a profound responsibility to our homeland, our state, and the 135 years of dedication, sacrifice, and struggle that have brought us to this point. We cannot and must not surrender. Through a united, pan-ARF mobilization—standing shoulder to shoulder with our supporters and our beloved people—we will move forward with honor and unity to overcome these challenges,” declared Galstyan.
“The ARF has triumphed before. Together, we can prevail again!” Galstyan said.
“135 years is not just time, but sacrifice, struggle, and unwavering dedication to our nation and homeland. The ARF was created to condemn injustice, organize resistance, and protect the rights, dignity, and future of the Armenian people. The ARF did more than that: it created generations who acted, worked, and were ready to die for the nation with the consciousness of being Armenians,” said the evening’s Master of Ceremonies Melkon Melkonian.
“We must be clear: we did not gather just to celebrate the past, the ARF is not closed in the pages of history, and is present on a global level, and the work, our responsibility, and the struggle for the Armenian Cause continue,” Melkonian added.
Other speakers throughout the event provided sobering assessments of the political situation and made proposals for a strategy to confront challenges facing our nation.
“Today, the Armenian people are forced to wage war in the homeland and in the Diaspora: a political, cultural, psychological war. And we are all soldiers today, regardless of our will, because we are peace-loving,” said Levon Baronian, a member of the ARF Western U.S. Central Committee, who addressed the gathering on the body’s behalf.
“This event commemorates 135 years of struggle, sacrifice, service, and responsibility to the Armenian nation. The struggle is a necessity, not a choice, and as long as the war is not over, our responsibilities are not over. Today’s call is clear: we must remain active, reject silence, and lead, and let this evening be a new beginning, not just a commemorative event,” Baronian added.
Also speaking at the event were Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region Board member Lara Yeretsian; Armenian Youth Federation Central Executive chair, Ani Ghazarian and from the AYF Junior Organization.
The evening’s cultural program was also in line with the ARF mission, bringing to the stage the tireless efforts toward the preservation of Armenian culture and identity, which was moving and at the same timely.
The students of the Rose and Alex Pilibos and Ferrahian Armenian Schools, with their songs and dances, and performances of traditional instruments, attested that the new generation of Armenians, far from their homeland, not only carry the national spirit, but are also ready to continue serving the nation and the homeland.
The Hamazkayin Ani Dance Ensemble, told the history of the Armenian Liberation Movement through a unique presentation.
The evening’s program was concluded by a rousing performance by Karnig Sarkissian, who through his rendition of traditional patriotic songs excited the audience and ushered the conclusion of the program with the collective signing of “Aryunod Trosh.”
Throughout the program, video presentations chronicled the activities of the organization and paid tribute to ARF members who passed away in the last in a moving In Memoriam segment.
The ARF 135th anniversary celebration was attended by ARF Bureau member Daron Der-Khachadourian; Chair of the ARF Western U.S. Central Committee, Garo Madenlianl; Western Prelate Archbishop Kegham Khacherian; ANCA-Western Region Board chair, Oshin Harootoonian; Armenian Relief Society Central Executive chair, Arus Melkonian and members of the ARS Western U.S Regional Executive; Homenetmen Central Executive member Mher Tavitian and members of the Western U.S. Regional Executive; Hamazkayin Central Executive member Dickran Babikian and members of the Western U.S. Regional Executive; representatives of Western U.S. Executive of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Organization (Ramkavar Party); and staff members representing various Federal, State and local elected officials.
