Sassounian: A Call to Mobilize the Diaspora, Delivered at ANC Banquet

At its annual banquet on Nov. 8, the Armenian National Committee (ANC) Western U.S. honored California Attorney General Jerry Brown, the former governor and current gubernatorial candidate, with the Freedom Award. The ANC also honored California State Senator Mark Wyland and California State Assembly Assistant Majority Leader Paul Krekorian (currently a candidate for L.A. City Council) as Legislators of the Year, and Harut Sassounian, the publisher of the California Courier, with the Legacy Award. California State Assemblyman Anthony Protantino was master of ceremonies. More than 700 guests attended the event held at the Pasadena Convention Center.

The honorees received special commendations from members of Congress, state senators, and the L.A. City Council. Congressman Brad Sherman presented Sassounian with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol. Among the many congratulatory letters received by the ANC was a message from Kerkorian: “I have known Harut for many years, and I am proud of the good work he has done for Armenia and on behalf of the Armenian community worldwide. I congratulate the ANC for honoring him.”