 Serj Tankian and John Dolmayan, took
part in the observance on the final evening of their three-day advocacy tour of
Washington, DC. They also participated in an April 24th rally outside the
Turkish Embassy, the April 25th Capitol Hill screening of excerpts from Carla
Garapedian's powerful new film "Screamers," and a series of Congressional
meetings and media interviews.
In accepting the award on behalf of System of a Down, drummer John Dolmayan
noted that, "This is a very personal cause for us. We are honored to be here to
represent Armenians and also United States citizens. We consider ourselves very
fortunate to bring this cause forward to people who may not necessarily have had
a chance to understand or learn anything about the Armenian Genocide. We also
feel it’s important to bring up issues that are taking place right now, such as
the Darfur Genocide. As Armenians, I would like to challenge you to do what you
can to help these poor people that are suffering the way we did almost a hundred
years ago."
System of a Down Press for Armenian Genocide Recognition During Three-Days
Washington, DC Advocacy Tour
Serj Tankian and John Dolmayan Meet Speaker Hastert; Visit with Members of
Congress; Hold Media Interviews; Host Screening of New Genocide Documentary; and
Join Rally at Turkish Embassy
Serj Tankian and John Dolmayan of the Grammy Award-winning band System of a
Down raised awareness, garnered national press attention on the Armenian
Genocide and pressed legislators for action on legislation condemning this crime
during their three-day advocacy tour of the nation's capital, reported the
Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
Among the highlights of the visit were the following:
* An unscheduled meeting with Speaker Dennis Hastert, during which Serj reminded
the Speaker about the band's past attempts to arrange a meeting to discuss the
Armenian Genocide, briefed him about their ongoing positive meetings with
legislators, and pointed out that the fate of Armenian Genocide legislation
rested in the Speaker's hands. The Speaker noted that he hadn't looked at the
band's letter yet, but promised to read it.
* A series of strategy meetings with legislators on both the House and Senate
sides of the Capitol. Among those they met with concerning the adoption of
Armenian Genocide legislation were Chief Deputy Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA), Senator
Wayne Allard (R-CO); Congressmen George Radanovich (R-CA) and Adam Schiff
(D-CA), the lead authors of Armenian Genocide legislation before the U.S. House;
Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ), the Co-Chairman of the Congressional Armenian
Caucus, and; Representatives Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI) and Devin Nunes (R-CA).
 *
The opportunity to meet dozens of legislators, including House Rules Committee
Chairman David Dreier (R-CA), at the ANCA's annual Armenian Genocide observance
on Capitol Hill on April 26th. This remembrance, which drew 40 Senators and
Representatives, featured the presentation of the ANCA's ‘Voice of Justice’
Award to System of a Down. The band members were joined at this event by David
Alpay, the star of Atom Egoyan's groundbreaking film on the Armenian Genocide,
"Ararat."
* The first-ever screening, on April 25th, of excerpts from "Screamers," a
powerful and innovative new film by Carla Garapedian about the band's efforts to
secure justice for the Armenian Genocide. The film, which was enthusiastically
received by the Capitol Hill audience, was followed by an extensive question and
answer session.
* A series of media interviews, including an April 25th hour-long on-air
discussion about the Armenian Genocide on DC-101’s "Elliot in the Morning" show,
Washington, DC's leading morning radio program.
* Stories about their advocacy tour appeared in influential publications across
Capitol Hill and around the country, including the Los Angeles Times and the
Gannett News Service. Congressional Quarterly, the highly regarded weekly
publication, ran a story quoting Serj Tankian stressing that, "for the
government to still deny this historical truth is an absolute travesty." The
Hill, an influential Congressional publication, quoted John Dolmayan as saying
that he would continue his work until Congress recognizes the genocide: "Even a
blade of grass can break through concrete, and I'd rather be the grass than the
concrete."
* Serj and John both took part in an April 24th anti-denial rally outside the
Turkish Embassy organized by the ANCA and Armenian Youth Federation. Prominent
among the more than 1,000 participants in the rally was Alecko Eskandarian, star
forward of the DC United soccer team.
Read the Whole Press Release
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