Armenian Independence Day at Saryan Cultural Center in Los Angeles

On September 21, Armenian Independence Day was celebrated at the Saryan Cultural Center in Los Angeles.

There were especially many people of other nationalities among the attendees who came to express their support to the Armenian people and to celebrate the Independence Day of Armenia together. Women dressed in Armenian taraz and welcoming the guests at the entrance, as well as the performance of the Komitas chamber group in the hall of the center, added an Armenian touch to the event.

Hosts Tatevik Ekezian and Ara Ghazaryan, emphasizing the importance of the day, called on the guests to celebrate September 21 in the same way as they celebrate US Independence Day. Ashot Geghamyan and Armen Baiburtyan, the founders of Saryan Cultural Center, welcomed the guests. Ashot Geghamyan aimed to open an exhibition of Armenian artists in the center on the occasion of Independence Day. He selected the paintings of two Armenian artists, and the exhibition was ready for Independence Day, with the guests getting acquainted with the works of Armenian painters Razmik Samvelts Hajikyan and Tigran Hovumyan. Diplomat, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Armen Bayburtyan underscored the importance of celebrating Independence Day at the Saryan Center since independence is closely linked to culture.

“Independence is the pinnacle of national identity, and this center has assumed a sacred mission not only to preserve the Armenian language and art but also to develop them,” Bayburtyan told Alpha News.

A friend of the Armenian people, Puerto Rican-American singer and musician Daniel Decker sang the famous “Adana” and “Martiki Erg” (The Song of the Warrior) in Armenian.

“I love Armenia. I have been to Armenia 2-3 times. I have fallen in love with the people of Armenia. I think it is very important for all Armenians in Armenia and around the world to support the Armenian people through the difficult times they are experiencing,” Decker told Alpha News.

An auction was also held during the event. A lithograph of the portrait of renowned singer Charles Aznavour with his autograph painted by artist Alexander Baghramyan was sold for 1,250 US dollars.