William Paparian
Pasadena, CA – The recent visit of the Deputy Turkish Consul General to Pasadena City Hall regarding the proposed Pasadena Armenian Genocide Memorial was a diplomatic intrusion by the Turkish government.
The Armenian-American community has long enjoyed a unique and cordial relationship with the City of Pasadena. For more than 30 years the Pasadena City Council has issued an official proclamation commemorating the Armenian Genocide every April 24.
Armenian-Americans have held high positions in municipal government in Pasadena: Police Chief; Deputy City Manager; Director of Parks and Recreation; City Treasurer; and many well respected members of our Police and our Fire Departments. In addition Pasadena: conducted an official census of its Armenian-American citizens; amended its Affirmative Action ordinance to make Armenian-Americans a Protected Class; has a Sister City in Armenia; and flown the Armenian Tri-color flag over City Hall on May 28 in commemoration of Armenian Independence Day.
The proposed Pasadena Armenian Genocide Memorial will have to fulfill the strict requirements of the City of Pasadena in order to win approval. No foreign government should be allowed to intervene in that process
