GLENDALE, CA – The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western United States of America hosted the ARF 135th Anniversary commemoration event at the landmark Alex Theatre in Glendale. A capacity crowd including elected officials, leaders of Armenian-American community and spiritual organizations, and thousands of members and supporters attended the event. The program was hosted by the Central Committee of the ARF Western United States and opened with a flag ceremony by Homenetmen Scouts, accompanied by the Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian School Choir, during which the evening’s tone of commitment, memory, and national purpose was firmly established.
In his opening remarks, Master of Ceremonies Melkon Melkonian emphasized that the ARF’s legacy must be measured not by the passage of years alone, but by the sacrifices and steadfastness that have sustained Armenian national life through successive trials. “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,” Melkonian said. A segment featuring AYF Juniors Remark & Video, presented by Saro Shirinian, followed immediately thereafter, highlighting the role of youth structures in strengthening Armenian identity and organized community life, and was followed by a live performance by the Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian School Choir.
Remarks on behalf of the Armenian Youth Federation were delivered by Ani Ghazaryan, reinforcing the centrality of youth mobilization, education, and service as pillars of the ARF’s enduring mission. The program continued with a video presentation and a dance performance of “Sartarabad” by the Hamazkayin Ani Dance Company, evoking the spirit of resistance and national revival that has defined the Armenian people’s struggle for dignity and survival. Lara Yeretsian, Esq. delivered remarks on behalf of the Armenian National Committee of America -WR, underscoring the necessity of sustained advocacy, coordinated political work, and unified community engagement in defense of Armenian rights and security. A memorial video was also presented during the evening, honoring sacrifice and reaffirming the obligation of each generation to carry forward the work entrusted to it.
On behalf of the ARF Western USA Central Committee, Levon Baronian delivered remarks that framed the anniversary as a call to disciplined action rather than ceremony, emphasizing that the ARF’s history is a record of struggle, service, and accountability that must translate into renewed organization today. Addressing the audience in the spirit of collective duty, Baronian acknowledged the grief and exhaustion borne by the Armenian people after the abandonment of Artsakh, warning against resignation and reminding those present that the Armenian people do not accept defeat as destiny. He underscored that diaspora institutions remain strategic assets in national life—pointing to the role of Armenian schools, cultural structures, and youth organizations in safeguarding identity and preventing assimilation, which he characterized as surrender—and reaffirmed that loyalty must be rooted in the Armenian national interest rather than any administration.
A song performance by the Rose & Alex Pilibos Armenian School Choir followed, and the evening’s keynote address was delivered by ARF Bureau Member and Armenian National Assembly Member Lilit Galstyan, who spoke to the gravity of the present moment and the responsibility demanded by 135 years of sacrifice and struggle. “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,” Galstyan declared. Reaffirming a forward path defined by unity and pan-ARF mobilization, she added, “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.” Galstyan concluded with a message of resolve: “The ARF has triumphed before. Together, we can prevail again!”
The commemoration continued with a song performance by renowned singer of Armenian national and revolutionary songs Karnig Sarkissian, and concluded with a closing performance by Arunod Trosh, bringing the ARF 135th Anniversary event to a stirring close and leaving the audience with a renewed sense of purpose, continuity, and collective responsibility.
