Haratunian and former intern Nellie Yeretsian recognized Judith Kipper of the Center for Strategic and International Studies and Dr. John Balian of the Food and Drug Administration for their important role in hosting Armenian Assembly Interns at their organizations. Sponsoring organizations and their quality internships keep young Armenians interested in the program. Reverend Vertanes Kalayjian of St. Mary's Armenian Church in Washington gave the invocation, in which he praised the Assembly internship program as a model for raising community leaders who will serve the Armenian-American community. The well-known Vosbikian band entertained guests with traditional Armenian music. The Armenian Assembly of America is a nationwide nonprofit organization which promotes public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues.
Membership is open to all individuals.
To Red Cross Commemorates 100th Anniversary of Barton's Mission to Armenia Washington, DC - Red Cross founder Clara Barton's relief mission to Armenia was commemorated Friday June 5th when the Armenian Assembly presented a bronze statue of Barton at Red Cross National Headquarters. More than 40 Assembly supporters, in Washington to attend the 1998 National Tribute Gala, presented the bust to distinguished Red Cross volunteer Charlotte Lunsford-Berry. The statue is the creation of Armenian-American sculptor Bruce Kueffer. He designed it to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Clara Barton's relief mission to Armenia in 1895. In her first international trip representing the Red Cross, the well-known American humanitarian led the US relief mission to the Armenian people during the Turkish massacres which began in the 1880s, and culminated in the Armenian Genocide of 1915.