Colma, CA — — In a vibrant celebration of cultural pride and unity, the City of Colma hosted a flag-raising ceremony on September 17, 2025 to honor Armenian Independence Day. The event brought together city leaders, community advocates, clergy, and students for a moving tribute to Armenia’s Independence while also showing the San Francisco Armenian Community’s deep connection to the Bay Area’s fabric of diversity.
Middle school students from Krouzian Zekarian Vasbouragan (KZV) Armenian School performed the national anthems of the United States, Armenia, and Artsakh, creating a powerful moment of solidarity as the Colma Police Department raised the Armenian flag.
The ceremony featured remarks from several distinguished guests, including Mayor Ken Gonzalez of Colma and Father Artsakh Badoyan of St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church who emphasized the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural heritage within local communities.
City leaders presented a proclamation in honor of Armenian Independence Day. Community leaders in attendance included Khatchig Tazian representing the Armenian National Committee of America – Northern California, Grace Andonian, Principal of KZV Armenian School, and David Ojakhian of the Armenian Assembly of America. The program also highlighted the next generation’s voice, with an inspiring speech by 8th grader Areni Arabatyan from KZV. She stated, “ The Statue of Liberty has always welcomed immigrants with the inscription – “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free” and it is exactly those huddled masses, the founders of KZV Armenian School, who made it possible for me to stand here with pride as a student at the only Armenian school in the Bay Area. .”
The event underscored the shared values of unity, resilience, and cultural pride, reminding attendees of the ongoing contributions of Armenian Americans to California and beyond.
