LA Mayor Eric Garecetti and Councilman Paul Krekorian are Co-sponsors of exhibit, which will kick off March 6 with opening reception

GLENDALE—The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region’s “America We Thank You (AWTY): An Armenian Tribute to Near East Relief” committee invites the community to attend its opening reception on Friday, March 6, 2015 at 6:30pm in the Rotunda of the Los Angeles Public Library’s Central Branch to celebrate the premiere of and be the first to view the ‘America We Thank You’ Travel Exhibit, which spotlights the unprecedented humanitarian efforts of the Near East Relief (NER) from 1915-1930. The Exhibit and opening reception is co-sponsored by Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Krekorian and the Los Angeles Public Library.

The ‘America We Thank You’ Exhibit, co-curated with NER successor, Near East Foundation, will be housed at the Library’s Atrium from March 7 through April 30 and highlights the outpouring of generosity by the American people and government during and in the immediate aftermath of the Armenian Genocide, under the auspices of the NER. The NER’s efforts manifested into an international endeavor for the rescue and rehabilitation of hundreds of thousands of Armenian Genocide survivors.

“It is an honor to feature the story of NER, which represents a magnanimous yet unfortunately oft-forgotten chapter in American history. As descendants of Armenian Genocide survivors who were saved and sustained through an American led campaign that ultimately spanned the globe, it is our duty to not only bestow our gratitude and appreciation, but to share this story with the world,” remarked AWTY co-chairperson Vanna Kitsinian, Esq.

“We are privileged to partner with the historic Los Angeles Public Library to showcase our visually compelling Exhibit and are extremely grateful for their support alongside that of Mayor Garcetti, and Councilmember Krekorian for co-sponsoring our Exhibit and our opening reception on March 6,” acknowledged AWTY co-chairperson Hermineh Papakhanians.

The Exhibit, with its 28 color panels measuring an impressive six feet by three feet, is comprised of high-quality scans of official correspondence, biographies of missionaries and relief workers who lived, volunteered and served on the ground, as well as treasured archival photographs, some of which have only recently been accessed and offer new insight to NER’s impactful legacy in saving a people under the threat of total annihilation.

“One the eve of the Armenian Genocide Centennial, as we remember and honor the martyred lives of our 1.5 million ancestors who suffered the perils of forced deportation and tragic death, we also pay special tribute to all those who heard the Armenian pleas for help, and responded swiftly and generously on an unprecedented and almost unimaginable scale. On behalf of every Armenian life NER rescued, we collectively echo, “America, We Thank You,” expressed ANCA-WR Executive Director Elen Asatryan.

Admission to the reception is open to all and free of charge, though space is limited and guests are encouraged to RSVP online by February 27 by visiting www.ancawr.org/AWTYExhibit The Central Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library is located at 630 W. 5th Street, Los Angeles CA 90071. Those who wish to view the Exhibit during March 7 – April 30 should confirm the Library’s hours of operation. The Library is open seven days a week, but hours vary. Admission to view the Exhibit throughout its duration in the Library’s Atrium is free of charge.

To learn more about the mission and activities of “America We Thank You” please visit www.AmericaWeThankYou.org

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.