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 …
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 …
Some of you may have noticed that I was absent from Armenia for a few weeks this summer. During a trip back to the United States to celebrate my grandmother’s birthday, I broke my ankle and had to delay my return. While I was happy to spend more time with my family back in Ohio, I was disappointed to miss …
As you may know, July 4th is a big day for the United States. It was this day, back in 1776, when we declared our independence from Great Britain. It was the day we embarked on a journey to create a government of, by, and for the people. I am writing from my home in Ohio, and while it is …
In the United States, we observe Memorial Day on the last Monday of May. Many Americans mark the day by getting together with friends and family and enjoying the spring weather with a picnic or barbeque, and many towns hold parades. But first and foremost, this is a day when we remember the men and women who died in service …