The 20th anniversary of the re-establishment of Armenia’s independence was celebrated at a gathering organized by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western US Central Committee at the St. Mary’s Church courtyard, Glendale, CA, where 2,000 community members gathered to mark the momentous occasion.

Asbarez reports that the Homenetmen scouts, led by the marching band paraded on Central Avenue with tri-colors in hand and made an impressive entrance into the courtyard and were greeted by thunderous applause from the audience.

Behind them was the ARF Badanegan (Juniors) Chorus, whose members were divided into three groups wearing red, blue and orange t-shirts, which once converged on stage became the tri-color of Armenia.

The mood was festive as several singers and artists performed and the crowd was treated to traditional Armenian dances from the Hamazkayin “Ani” and “Zavartnots” dance troupes. Among the performers were Hovhannes Shahbazyan, Element Band, Gagik Badalyan, Gevork Chakmanyan, Armen Movsisyan and recitation by Nune Avetisyan.

Keynote speakers Hovan Tashjian and Raffi Hamparian presented remarks on the meaning of independence in Armenian and English respectively.