Burbank, CA – April 30, 2026 — The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Burbank chapter honored the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide through a series of commemorative events and initiatives across the city, beginning with a solemn ceremony on April 18 and continuing through the week of April 24.
On Saturday, April 18, a community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemoration Ceremony was held on the steps of Burbank City Hall. The event opened with a ceremonial march by the Homenetmen Sipan Chapter scouts and Council Members Nikki Perez and Konstantine Anthony, BUSD Board member Armond Aghakhanian and representatives from Senator Caroline Menjivar and Assemblymember Nick Schultz, members of sister organizations and Burbank Armenian Association. ANCA Burbank Chairman Sarkis Simonian delivered powerful remarks along with City Council Member Konstantine Anthony and Nikki Perez. Burbank Unified School District Board Member Armond Aghakhanian also gave remarks. A flower-laying ceremony followed, where attendees paid tribute at a memorial built by Homenetmen, echoing the spirit of the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial in Yerevan.
On April 20, ANCA Burbank board member Anne Bedian was invited as the guest speaker for the Armenian Genocide Commemoration Assembly at John Burroughs High School. Addressing the library full of students, Bedian shared the powerful true story of Elizabeth Sultanian, a genocide survivor whose photo, legacy, and letters formed the foundation of a deeply personal and historical presentation
On April 21, the City of Burbank issued an official proclamation designating April 24, 2026, as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day. Mayor Nikki Perez presented the proclamation during a City Council meeting to ANCA Chairman Sarkis Simonian. ANCA Burbank Board Member Antranik Jarchafjian. made his remarks, on behalf of ANCA Burbank, thanking the city for its continued support for justice and truth. The proclamation reaffirmed the city’s recognition of the genocide and its commitment to remembrance and justice.
Throughout the week of April 2026, two public awareness initiatives helped amplify the message of remembrance:
• A street banner was displayed at the corner of Hollywood Way & Magnolia Blvd., drawing attention to Armenian Genocide Commemoration Week.
• Both Burbank City Hall and Burbank Water and Power buildings were illuminated in the colors of the Armenian flag as a visual tribute to the lives lost and the resilience of the Armenian people.
ANCA Burbank also continued its annual Genocide Commemoration Scholarship Program, inviting local students to submit original works—either visual art or written pieces such as essays and poetry—that reflect on the genocide and its legacy.
The ANCA Burbank chapter is proud to continue its mission of advocacy, education, and remembrance through these annual commemorations and remains committed to uplifting the voices and stories of the Armenian community.
ANCA Burbank
The Armenian National Committee of America – Burbank Chapter is dedicated to advocating for the Armenian American community in Burbank and neighboring regions through robust advocacy efforts, educational initiatives, and community engagement. ANCA Burbank empowers individuals to actively contribute to the pursuit of a more just and equitable society.
