The Orange County Armenian community celebrated at the Harut Barsamian Community Center

SANTA ANA—The ARF Armen Karo Gomideh social committee organized the annual celebration of the heroic February Revolt of 1921. The Armenian Community of Orange County came out to the Harut Barsamian Community Center in Santa Ana to join in the celebration. Over 200 community members, including over 50 youth, gathered inside Ghazarian hall and viewed a presentation on the large screen dedicated to the Armenian people’s uprising in February 1921 against the Communist Bolsheviks, including the ARF’s role and Karekin Njdeh’s establishment of the Mountainous Republic of Armenia. In addition, photos of some of Armen Karo’s important activities were also shown such as the Ottoman Bank takeover, the defense of Tiflis, and Operation Nemesis.

The ARS Sevan Chapter prepared the home made dinner for the celebration and the organizing committee passed out a handout describing the importance of the February Revolt including a summary of some of Armen Karo’s greatest achievements.

ARF Armen Karo Gomideh Social Committee Chairwoman, Allise Panosyan welcomed the crowd and introduced Orange County ARF Chairman Garo R. Madenlian who addressed the audience. He explained that prior to the February Revolt the Bolsheviks had jailed, tortured, and killed many of the ARF leadership and intelligentsia, and pillaged much of the people’s crops and personal items; that the Revolt was a response to this savagery carried out by the Bolsheviks, many of whom were Armenian. He explained that when Yerevan was liberated on February 18, 1921, literary giants like Levon Shant and Nigol Aghbalian, and military heroes such as General Nazarbekian and Silikian were freed from the jails. He then reminded the audience of General Njdeh’s heroic efforts in Zangezour, which created a safe passage for many who would later play a major role in organizing the Diasporan Armenian communities worldwide, and thus all of our communities owe it to those who fought in 1921. He concluded by stating that all Armenians have a role to play in the future and should be guided by this heroic stance against injustice, a prime example of the ARF putting its principles into action; and together, not allowing anyone to trample on the rights of the Armenian people.

Shortly thereafter, Karnig Sarkissian took the stage. He energized and motivated the crowd with his rendition of Armenian national and patriotic songs, during which many participated and sang along. The celebration continued throughout the night and into the early morning hours.

The ARF Armen Karo Gomideh also announced to the crowd that the Azeri Consul will be speaking at UCI on February 27, and that further information will be provided via email so that everyone can participate.