A flag-raising ceremony and community service at a Fresno cemetery marking the 97th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide kicked off on April 24 morning, Fresno Bee reports.

At Masis Ararat Armenian Cemetery, the Armenian and U.S. flags were drawn up at a memorial to Genocide victims.

The Armenian Students Organization of Fresno State will hold several events today, starting at 12:15 p.m. at the campus Free Speech Area.

Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church will hold a remembrance and ecumenical service, in conjunction with the other Armenian churches in Fresno and Fowler, at 7 p.m. today.

Dr. Sergio La Porta, professor of Armenian Studies at Fresno State, will deliver the keynote address with the Rev. Mgrdich Melkonian, senior pastor of First Armenian Presbyterian Church of Fresno, providing the Armenian message.