U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank), vice-chair of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, celebrated the 30th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Armenia on Sept. 21.

“The road to independence has not been easy, but time and time again, Armenians have proven that they are survivors,” Schiff said in a statement. “As we mark this anniversary, we must also rededicate ourselves to confronting the continued threats to Armenia and Artsakh, especially as we approach the one-year anniversary of the six-week war in Nagorno-Karabakh. We must do everything we can to bring liberation and peace to our Armenian brothers and sisters abroad.”

Los Angeles City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, whose 13th District includes Little Armenia, also celebrated the anniversary.

“Outside of Armenia itself, the Los Angeles region is home to one of the world’s largest populations of Armenians and those of Armenian descent, and the 13th District is the proud home of Little Armenia. It will also soon be home to the Little Armenia Gateway, a project I’ve championed, which will be an official marker to the neighborhood and a monument that commemorates the remarkable contributions of this community,” O’Farrell said. “As we celebrate 30 years of Armenian independence, we also reflect on the struggles faced by Armenia, especially the challenges of the past year. But the Armenian people are resilient and strong.”