Promoting Awareness, Gratitude and Unity: National Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide Centennial Events Mark 100th Anniversary of Armenian Genocide May 7-9 in Washington

WASHINGTON, May 7, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- From May 7-9 in Washington, D.C., thousands will gather for the National Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide Centennial (NCAGC) to remember those lost in the Genocide 100 years ago and individuals and organizations who put their lives in harm's way to save others from the Ottoman Empire's attacks.

Thousands of Armenians, along with policymakers, religious leaders from the U.S., Canada and around the world, will gather in the Nation's Capital to remember the estimated 1.5 million Armenians who perished at the hands of Ottoman Turks from 1915-1923.

"For Armenians today, the events of 100 years ago are still a recent memory. As we come together in Washington to remember those who were lost, celebrate those who helped us to survive, and honor the organizations, as well as the 23 countries who have officially recognized the Armenian Genocide, we know that there are others today who are still very much at risk," said Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian. "We should not shy away from this reality, but come together to prevent these atrocities from continuing to happen. As Armenians, we know too well the devastating impact."

During a Newsmaker event at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. this morning, the Minister also spoke about the importance of combating the denial of genocides and crimes against humanity: "As a nation, which passed through the horrors of Genocide, we feel a deep moral responsibility to raise a worldwide awareness about this scourge and to do our utmost to contribute to the prevention of crimes against humanity."

"We gather here in Washington, D.C. to acknowledge the tragic events of our past, but also to celebrate the survivors among us, give thanks to those who came to our aid and recognize that we must work together to forge a more peaceful future." said Noubar Afeyan, NCAGC chair, an organization built in partnership with the Eastern and Western Diocese and Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Churches of America, during the event.

Minister Nalbandian also underlined the importance of paying gratitude to the individuals and organizations whose heroic acts saved thousands of lives. "I would like to highlight the huge charitable contribution of the Near East Relief, which was established by the U.S. government at the urging of Henry Morgenthau, the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey to prevent what he called the campaign of race extermination. It is credited with having cared for more than 130,000 Armenian orphans scattered across the region," emphasized the Minister at the National Press Club.

With a message of awareness, gratitude and unity, the Commemoration events, over the course of the three days, will include services, exhibitions, concerts and an award ceremony led by the NCAGC.

A detailed program follows below:

For more information, please visit http://armeniangenocidecentennial.org.

Photography, videos and press release for media use: http://edelman.isebox.net/agc100dc

About the National Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide Centennial
The National Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide Centennial (NCAGC) began with the united efforts of the Diocese and Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Churches of America, East and West coasts. The NCAGC provides a unique opportunity to bring Armenians together from across the country and Canada to join in remembering and honoring those lost in the Genocide 100 years ago. Showing a unity of spirit and purpose, the events also serve to raise awareness of the Genocide and an opportunity to thank the institutions and individuals who have helped Armenians to survive and thrive.

SOURCE National Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide Centennial