To mark the contributions of Armenians across various sectors in the United States and in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States, a special reception titled “Armenians in America 250” was held at the headquarters of the Organization of American States in Washington, D.C. The event was organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in the United States in cooperation with the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU).
The reception was attended by high-level officials from the White House, the National Security Council, and the Departments of State, Commerce, Energy, and War, as well as members of the Armenian-American community from various states. The event is part of a series of initiatives carried out by Armenia’s US representation within the framework of the USA250 celebrations, with the encouragement and support of the White House Office of Public Liaison.
Speeches were delivered by Narek Mkrtchyan, Armenia’s Ambassador to the United States; Jeffrey Kessler, Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security; Keith Krach, CEO of Freedom250, the organization responsible for the official events celebrating the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence; and Sam Simonian, President of AGBU.
The event opened with the national anthems of the United States and Armenia, performed by students of the Shnorhali School of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church in Washington, D.C. Opening prayers were offered by Rev. Fr. Untzag Nalbandian, who then presented welcoming remarks on behalf of Abp. Hovnan Derderian and Bp. Mesrop Parsamyan, Primates of the Western and Eastern Dioceses of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, respectively. AGBU Central Board member Haig Ariyan served as master of ceremonies.
As part of the program, a reissued edition of the commemorative book “Our Boys,” dedicated to Armenian World War II veterans, was presented by AGBU Vice President Arda Haratunian. Originally published in 1951, the book documents the service and contributions of Armenian-Americans during the war.
Copies of the reissued edition were gifted to Jaxon Croy, Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives at the White House, and Sonata Coulter, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State overseeing Russia, the Caucasus, and European Security and Political Affairs.
Stories highlighting Armenian contributions across various sectors in the United States were also presented by Robin the Robot, an Armenian-developed robot that currently provides services in more than 40 hospitals and care facilities across the United States.
The evening concluded with performances of Armenian folk and traditional music by the “Marta and Folk Orchestra.”
