The Glendale City Council this week recognized Wednesday as the 76th anniversary of the start of the Armenian massacre of 1915.
Council members Tuesday declared April 24 a local day of remembrance and encouraged Glendale residents to learn more about Armenian culture and heritage. Between 30,000 and 35,000 Armenians and Armenian-Americans live in the city, according to community and city leaders.
April 24 is considered by Armenians to be the anniversary of the start of a campaign by the Ottoman Turks in 1915 to massacre the Armenian minority in Turkey. Turkish officials reject the Armenian accusation that more than a million Armenians were slaughtered.
The council in the past has issued proclamations recognizing the anniversary. But local Armenian leaders have said they would like to see the recognition broadened, perhaps to include city flags flying at half-mast or a legal holiday for schoolchildren of Armenian descent.
