U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein called upon Turkey to recognize the Armenian Genocide and calls for “some recompense” for the tragedies that Armenians suffered, during a wreath-laying ceremony last week at the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Montebello’s Bicknell Park, Asbarez reported.

Senator Feinstein was greeted at the Memorial, just before noon, by Armenian American church and community leaders, including Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church; Levon Kirakosian, who serves on the Prelacy’s Executive Counsel; ANCA National Board member Seto Boyadjian; Viken Pakradouni, Chairman of ANC-San Gabriel Valley; and Nazo Sardorian, Chairman of the Armenian Cultural Foundation – San Gabriel Valley.

ANC-WR Board Members, Raffi Kassabian and Pattyl Aposhian-Kasparian, helped lead the delegation, as did ANCA-WR Executive Director William Bairamian, and. Local clergymen, community activists, leaders of the Armenian Relief Society, and representatives from the Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary Committee also played an important role in greeting the Senator and participating in the wreath-laying ceremony.

Jack Hadjinian, an ANC SGV activist, who is currently a top candidate for election to Montebello’s city council, Murad Minassian, local ANC-San Gabriel Valley activist and community leader, and Michael Minassian, part of the original organizing committee which spearheaded the approval, funding, and construction of the monument.

The Senator’s wreath-laying was followed by formal remarks to all those gathered, informal discussions regarding Armenian American civic and advocacy priorities, and an interview by Horizon Armenian Television.