April 21, 2016

Last Friday, AGBU became 110 years old.  Accompanying the numerous celebratory events was also a general feeling of awe at the longevity of our Union.  With the approach of April 24, and the close of the 100th year after the Genocide, the notion that AGBU predates the Genocide struck many.  In fact, it was the goal of the founders of AGBU to establish a union that would in every way assist the Armenian people.  From 1906 to 1914, AGBU already had 142 branches in Western Armenia, USA, Argentina, Europe and Africa and over 8,533 members.

The Genocide was a turning point for the Armenian Nation and AGBU, yet despite heavy losses to many of its chapters, AGBU managed to render tangible help to the Genocide survivors, by establishing schools, camps, and orphanages to care for the survivors.

Throughout its 110 years, AGBU has fulfilled its goal of assisting the Armenian people in every way, changing with the times, and responding to existing needs. Today, throughout the world, AGBU remains on task in thousands of different ways, by providing scholarships to young scholars, food and shelter for our soldiers in Artsakh, and keeping the spirit and the Armenian identity alive.

On May 1, 2016 please come and celebrate the past, present, and future of AGBU.

Talin V. Yacoubian, Esq.

AGBU Western Distirct Committee Chair