Thousands of marchers took to the streets throughout Los Angeles on April 24 for the 103rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, when 1.5 million Armenians were killed over the course of several years.

Demonstrators headed west on Wilshire Boulevard toward the Turkish Consulate during a large march and protest during Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day on April 24. (photo by Maura Turcotte)

In Little Armenia, at the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Western Avenue on Tuesday morning, streets were closed to traffic as marchers carried signs and waved red, blue and orange Armenian flags.

The deaths were carried out by the former Ottoman Empire, present day Turkey. The Turkish government continues to deny that the killings were a genocide. In the U.S., all states except Mississippi and Alabama have adopted resolutions recognizing the Armenian Genocide. But the U.S. federal government has not formally called the events as genocide.

Marchers, many in attendance with friends and family, chanted “Shame on Turkey,” among other refrains as they walked down Hollywood Boulevard toward a stage at Western Avenue. U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) mentioned a run-in that the Turkish president’s security had with protesters in Washington, D.C., last year.

“It was almost one year ago in our nation’s capital that the president of Turkey sat in the comfort of his limousine and appeared to give a signal to his security forces to begin to beat protesters,” he said. “When you watch that video, and you see the smug arrogance of the Turkish president as he orders American citizens to be beaten, it begs the question: What gave him cause to believe that this is something he could do? What gave him the reason to believe that in the heart of the most powerful democracy in the world, that he could beat American citizens?”

U.S. prosecutors announced last month that charges against seven of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s bodyguards were dropped after protesters were beaten last year outside of the Turkish ambassador’s residence in Washington, D.C.

“I think the answer can be found in the fact that back at home, whether it’s in Istanbul or Ankara, and people gather to protest his governance, he ordered them beaten,” Schiff said. “And all too often America said nothing.

“We gather today to say we will never allow the violation of our human rights. Not by the president of Turkey, not by anyone,” he continued.

Unified Young Armenians, the sponsor of the event, introduced Peggy Garabekian as its new president.

“I will stay true to the principles of Unified Young Armenians and will continue to serve the people and the people only,” she said.

Other local officials who joined the Little Armenia march included Los Angeles Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, 13th District, and City Attorney Mike Feuer.

Later in the afternoon, Schiff participated in a march outside of Turkish Consulate at 6300 Wilshire Blvd. State Sen. Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles), a candidate for the U.S. Senate this year, and Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, a gubernatorial candidate, were also in attendance.

“You have contributed greatly to who we are as a great nation and as a great state,” de Leon said to the Armenians and other supporters gathered. “We don’t need to ask for recognition for more than 103 years, we demand recognition. We demand a recognition because of the blood, the sweat, the tears of the genocide of your grandparents and your great-grandparents, whether you’re from Iran, whether you’re from Syria, whether you’re from Lebanon, whether you’re from Armenia. We’re all Americans.”

Newsom has been one of the most prominent voices in California calling on the federal government to recognize the Armenian Genocide.

“What makes California a special place – dare I say what makes California great – is that at our best we don’t tolerate diversity,” Newsom said. “At our best we celebrate that diversity.”