Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western U.S. Central Committee chair Garo R. Madenlian, Esq. addressed the ANCA-WR Banquet on Sunday, before introducing Rep. Young Kim who received the “Legislature of the Year” award. Below are Mandelian’s remarks.
Good evening, my fellow Armenian Americans, advocates of justice, warriors of the Armenian Cause, friends, and supporters.
It is truly an honor to stand before you tonight — among family. I am proud to be here with you, because I am one of you. We are bound by purpose and conviction, and together, we are stronger, louder, and more effective in this great struggle — the eternal battle of good versus evil, of truth versus denial, of justice for our people, and of the dream of a united Armenia.
Together, we push boundaries.
Together, we defend the rights of the Armenian people.
Together, we are the diasporan army of the Armenian nation — steadfast, determined, and unbreakable.
While we continue to pursue recognition and reparations for the Armenian Genocide, our mission today extends beyond remembrance. Our current priorities demand immediate and unyielding action:
To protect and advance the right of return for Armenians from Artsakh to their indigenous homeland — from which they were forcibly displaced not a century ago, but just a few years ago — a continuation of the Armenian Genocide by another name.
To secure the release of Armenian prisoners of war, illegally held captive in Baku for over two years.
To strengthen the security of Armenia’s borders, especially in Syunik, where innocent civilians face the threats of Aliyev’s aggression and Erdogan’s pan-Turkic ambitions.
And we do this work — not for praise or glory, not in service to any government, past, present, or future — but for the Armenian nation itself: for our people, for our survival, and for our dignity, even when the current regime in Armenia stands indifferent or opposed.
This is our shared mission.
It is a long and difficult road, marked by obstacles and setbacks.
But together, we will navigate every challenge.
Together, we will endure.
Together, we will rise — stronger, wiser, and ever more determined.
And on this righteous path, we are deeply grateful for our friends and allies — those who stand with us, not out of convenience, but out of conscience. Those who do the right thing for the right reasons. Those who lend their voices, their platforms, and their power to the cause of justice.
It is in this spirit of gratitude and solidarity that I have the distinct pleasure of introducing our next honoree — a dear friend and a true ally. I first met her years ago, when she worked alongside our good friend, the Honorable Ed Royce. From that time to this day, her integrity, compassion, and commitment have remained steadfast.
Upon her election to the U.S. House of Representatives, she immediately joined the Armenian Caucus, where she has been an active and effective voice for our community.
She has co-sponsored more than 40 bipartisan resolutions and initiatives supporting the Armenian cause.
She has strengthened congressional pressure on Azerbaijan for its ongoing aggression and humanitarian violations.
She has advocated tirelessly for aid, democracy, and security for Armenia, and for the rights and safety of displaced Artsakh Armenians.
Her record is one of moral clarity and unwavering principle — championing genocide prevention, human rights, and accountability for war crimes.
She co-signed the historic bipartisan 2021 letter urging President Biden to formally recognize the Armenian Genocide.
She has consistently condemned Azerbaijan’s military aggression in both 2020 and 2023, demanded the release of Armenian POWs, called for reopening the Berdzor Corridor during the blockade, and supported enforcing Section 907 to halt U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan until it ceases hostilities.
She has also championed expanded U.S. humanitarian aid for displaced Artsakh Armenians and refugees, and supported initiatives to strengthen Armenia’s democracy and resilience.
Through her work, she has proven that leadership is defined by what you stand for and the actions you take.
She has stood for justice.
She has stood for truth.
And she has stood for the Armenian people.
It is, therefore, my honor and privilege to present the ANCA Western Region Legislator of the Year Award to my friend, your representative, and our collective steadfast voice in Washington, D.C. — the Honorable Young Kim.
