Armenia Independence Day Cleveland City Hall September 21, 2012
For the first time, Armenian Independence was celebrated with a ceremony in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall. The Flag of Armenia flew over City Hall for several days.
US and Armenian flags flying over Cleveland City Hall
Anita Kazarian, Armenian Ambassador to ClevelandPeople.Com, witnessed some other nationalities having recognition events and put together a team to include the Armenian community.
Anita Kazarian and Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson
Over 200 people attended the ceremony which featured a huge Armenian flag behind the stage.
Ms. Suzelle Avitsian served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening and she welcomed the crowd to the historic event.
Suzelle Avitsian
Deacon Rubik Mailian sang both the Armenian and American national anthems accompanied by Hrant Bagrazyan on piano.
Deacon Rubik Mailian
City of Cleveland Chief Valarie J. McCall welcomed the crowd and introduced Mayor Frank G. Jackson.
Chief Valarie J. McCall
Mayor Frank G. Jackson
Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson presented a Proclamation to Fr. Hratch Sargsyan, Pastor at St. Gregory of Narek Armenian Church
Next, Anita Kazarian thanked Mayor and Chief McCall and the committee members who made the celebration of Armenian Independence in the Cleveland City Hall Rotunda possible.
Anita Kazarian
Next, MC Suzelle Avitsian introduced the representative of His Eminence Archbishop Khajak Barsamian the Primate of the Eastern Diocese of America, The Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian.
Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian
Next, Michael Patterson spoke on behalf of Congressman Dennis Kucinich and presented a proclamation from the US Congress.
