Burbank, California – May 28, 2025
An impressive community celebration was held Wednesday evening at the Beshir Mardirossian Youth Center in Burbank, marking the 107th anniversary of the founding of the First Republic of Armenia.
Among the distinguished attendees were ARF Bureau member Daron Der Khachadourian Reverend Father Artak Demirjian representing the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, members of Homenetmen Western USA Regional Executive, representatives from the ARF Nigol Aghbalian Committee, members of the ARS Araz Chapter, and the administrative board of Homenetmen’s Sipan Chapter.
The event was jointly organized by the Artistic Division of Homenetmen Burbank “Sipan” Chapter, the ARF Nigol Aghbalian Committee, the AYF “Gaydzag” Chapter, and the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) “Araz” Chapter. The commemorative gathering drew a large crowd of community members, united in patriotic pride for this significant national milestone.
The evening commenced with a formal flag ceremony and scout procession, during which the Sipan Chapter’s color guard presented the flags of the United States, Armenia, Artsakh, and the organizing bodies. Following the national anthems, opening remarks were delivered by Elma Isakhanian.
The keynote speaker of the event, longtime Armenian activist and educator Miganoush Melkonian-Ajemian, reflected on the enduring significance of May 28. Drawing parallels between the hardships faced by the First Republic in 1918 and Armenia’s current crisis, she emphasized the need for hope and perseverance. “Despair is the desire of our enemies,” she said, urging the audience to hold steadfast to faith and national dreams.
The program continued with a rich artistic lineup: Alice Simonian recited excerpts from Letter to Yerevan, Angela Hovsepian performed My Homeland, and musical performances included a guitar piece by Nathan Estanian and songs by Seda Grigorian, Zaveg Moskevichian, and popular singer Varand Avanesian. A special performance was delivered by Artsakh native and freedom fighter Arthur Khachents, whose powerful presence elevated the spirit of the evening.
Additional performances featured the Sipan dance group under the direction of Luiza Khachatryan, the club’s youth choir, and the “Gaylig-Ardzvig” (Cub Scouts) group. Each performance contributed to a shared message of unity, patriotism, and dedication to the Armenian cause.
At the conclusion of the event, Homenetmen Sipan Chapter Chairman Robert Mehrabian extended his heartfelt appreciation to the artistic team—Seda Grigorian, Elma Isakhanian, Aida Khoudabakhshian, Shake Avetian, Valerik Gharibian, and Hrayr Grigorian—for organizing the program in a short period of time.
Following this, Pierre Manoukian, Chair of the Homenetmen Western USA Regional Executive, delivered remarks emphasizing the historical bond between the founding of Homenetmen and the First Republic of Armenia, both established in 1918. He praised Sipan as one of the region’s most dynamic chapters and called on the community to preserve the spirit of Homenetmen and continue advancing its mission of nurturing patriotic youth.
Closing remarks were delivered by ARF Bureau member Daron Der Khachadourian, who offered powerful reflections on the importance of national unity and resilience. (A full transcript of his speech is available in a separate report.)
The program concluded on a high note with vibrant performances by Varand Avanesian, capped by a symbolic rendition of the patriotic song Aryunot Drosh (“The Blood-Stained Flag”), leaving the audience inspired and uplifted.
Reporting by A. Simonian
Photos by Kariné Grigorian
