By Jason KUROSU

This April marks the 99th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, which claimed between 600,000 and 1.5 million Armenian lives, as well as Assyrians, Greeks and other groups. With its vast Armenian population, Glendale has taken pains to bring the Genocide to light, particularly amongst Glendale’s students. On Thursday, April 24 there will be a student-free day district-wide in remembrance of the lives lost, commemorating the date the Genocide began, with the arrest and deportation of prominent Armenian leaders from Constantinople in 1915.

Similarly, April 21 will commemorate those killed with the 13th annual GUSD Armenian Genocide Remembrance Assembly, subtitled “99 Years of Denial.” Armenian clubs from Crescenta Valley, Clark Magnet, Glendale and Hoover High schools will make presentations reflecting Armenian culture, including musical performances, poetry readings, video clips and more. The assembly will also feature students from middle schools and elementary schools, as well as students from the after school programs run by the Davidian & Miriamiam Educational Foundation, a nonprofit organization which operates after school programs in 26 public schools and has taken part in the Armenian Genocide assemblies over the years.

“Students have worked very hard on this commemoration, so please attend in support and invite family, friends, neighbors and community members,” said GUSD board member Greg Krikorian.

The assembly will take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Glendale High School’s John Wayne Auditorium, 1440 E. Broadway in Glendale. The event is free and open to the public.

  Jason Kurosu