Today we celebrate Earth Day! This marks the 51st anniversary of this important worldwide event. It is estimated that one billion people around the world mobilize for action on Earth Day each year. This impressive level of turnout is a powerful statement that testifies to the importance of people coming together to address some of the most critical challenges that …
2020 is an election year, a year when citizens go to the polls to cast their ballots for who will represent them, their interests, and their communities. This month also marks the 100th anniversary of one of the largest expansions of voting rights in U.S. history – the passage of the nineteenth amendment granting women suffrage, or the right to …
Much appreciation to everyone who sent messages of congratulations as we celebrated this year’s Fourth of July, marking the 244th anniversary of the founding of the United States. In case you missed it, here are the links to our virtual celebration and the text of my remarks is below. Hello and welcome to our virtual celebration marking the 244th anniversary …
As I read about the heroic contributions of the many, many Armenians who served in World War II, including 20,000 in the U.S. military, I think of just how indebted we are to our grandparents and great grandparents. While we have all read about the most famous battles and generals, winning the war required heroic efforts by many people, not …
Spring is a special time of year. The last remaining snow melts, the sun shines and temperatures rise, flowers bloom, and people shed their winter coats to enjoy time outside. Between flowers and fresh air, spring is full of reasons to enjoy the great outdoors. And there is no better place to do that in the United States than our …
The right to vote is essential in any democracy. This is a value Americans share with Armenians and one that must be protected and preserved. The concept that every citizen gets a voice in electing their leaders is so cherished that, for centuries, people around the world have fought and even died to attain or preserve that right. The world …
Many of our American holidays can be quite familiar to Armenians. For instance, while we might celebrate Christmas on different days, Armenians and Americans enjoy some similar traditions, from Santa Claus or “Dzmer Pap” to festive Christmas décor, trees, lighting, and music. But every January, after our Christmas trees have been taken down and the New Year’s confetti finally cleaned …
In my travels around Armenia, I love hearing stories people tell me about their friends and family in America – often in Glendale – or about their plans to visit Florida, New York, or Boston as tourists. I am thrilled when I meet someone who has visited or studied in the United States and is back in Armenia sharing their …
Do you ever stop to pause and think about how much we have to be grateful for? As the holiday season approaches, it’s easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives and to-do lists. So I always try to take a moment to reflect and give thanks for all the blessings around me. Of …
In every country I’ve served, I’ve found that the best way to get to know a place is by travelling—getting out to see the country and meet its people. And that’s just what I’ve been doing here in Armenia! Nearly every month since arriving in February, I have been on the road: exploring different marzes (regions), from the most northern, …