Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day Marks 109th Anniversary of Atrocities

On April 24, 2024, Armenians worldwide commemorated the 109th anniversary of the start of the Armenian Genocide, which began with the systematic deportation and killing of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire on April 24, 1915. The genocide resulted in the deaths of approximately 1.5 million Armenians and is widely regarded as the first genocide of the 20th century.

Remembrance events and protests were held across the Los Angeles area, home to the largest population of Armenians outside of Armenia itself. Hundreds participated in a march through Hollywood organized by the Unified Young Armenians (UYA) organization, a solemn act of remembrance for those lost during the genocide. Schools in the Los Angeles and Glendale unified school districts were closed on April 24 to observe the holiday, following a bill signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2022 establishing Genocide Remembrance Day as a state holiday in California.

President Joe Biden issued a statement on Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, condemning the "campaign of cruelty" and remembering those who lost their lives. In 2021, Biden became the first sitting U.S. President to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide, a move previously avoided by the White House for fear of alienating Turkey, a NATO ally that denies the deaths constituted genocide.

Why this matters: The Armenian Genocide remains a contentious issue, with Turkey engaging in a campaign to deny the genocide and silence those who speak the truth, despite overwhelming evidence documented by American diplomats who witnessed the annihilation of the Armenian population. The wounds of the genocide remain open, as the Armenian people continue to face threats, most recently with Azerbaijan's invasion and occupation of Artsakh.

The commemoration also serves as a call to action, with Senator Anthony J. Portantino, who represents Pasadena, amplifying the urgency for international recognition and intervention in response to the ongoing aggression faced by Armenians. Portantino stressed the need for collective action in the face of "repeated and regular genocidal rhetoric" from Turkey and Azerbaijan, urging the U.S. government to expand assistance to Armenians forcibly displaced from Artsakh and hold accountable those who enact such violence.

As stated by the Heritage and Progress Foundation for Development and Support of Russian-Armenian Humanitarian Initiatives, "Armenians around the world will forever preserve the memory of the victims and are grateful to the states that have recognized the fact of the Armenian Genocide and keep the memory of this tragedy." The fight for recognition and reparations continues, with the Armenian diaspora and the Republic of Armenia working to align their advocacy efforts and effectively push for international support and justice.

Key Takeaways

• Armenians worldwide commemorated the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
• Remembrance events were held across Los Angeles, home to the largest Armenian population.
• President Biden officially recognized the Armenian Genocide, a move previously avoided.
• The genocide remains a contentious issue, with Turkey denying the events despite evidence.
• Calls for international recognition and intervention continue to address ongoing aggression.