March Toward Justice: Armenians in Los Angeles and New York rally to commemorate genocide

LOS ANGELES / NEW YORK — Over 1,400 Armenian students from eight Southern California schools participated in the ‘March Toward Justice’ on Sunday, a commemorative event marking the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The march honored the 1.5 million Armenians killed by the Ottoman Empire in 1915 and emphasized the ongoing demand for global recognition of the tragedy.

Organized by the Armenian Mesrobian School, the event brought together students, school officials, clergymen, legal experts, and community activists. Participants, proudly waving Armenian flags and carrying commemorative banners, began their procession in Los Angeles.

A parallel march in New York moved through the city and convened at Times Square. The choice of Times Square as a focal point underscored the event’s call for international acknowledgment of the genocide and highlighted continued concerns over the persecution of Armenians in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).

The ceremony at Times Square featured addresses by prominent religious leaders, including Eastern Archbishop Mesrop Parsamyan and Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, who emphasized the dual importance of remembrance and justice. “This day stands as a testament to our resilience and serves as a call for the world to recognize and rectify the injustices that marred our people’s history,” one archbishop remarked.

US Senator Chuck Schumer, a vocal advocate for Armenian causes, also addressed the gathering. “Even after more than a century, the proud Armenian people continue to rise above the atrocities committed by the Ottoman Empire,” Schumer declared, reflecting on the enduring strength of the Armenian community. “It is our duty to ensure these crimes are never forgotten.” Drawing from his family’s own experiences during the Holocaust, the senator reinforced the need to preserve the memory of all genocides as a means of preventing future atrocities.

The ‘March Toward Justice’ has become a powerful symbol of remembrance, resilience, and resolve. For participants and observers alike, the event serves as both a solemn tribute to a dark chapter in history and a rallying cry for accountability, global recognition, and a renewed commitment to human rights for Armenians and all oppressed peoples.