Youth Join AYF Ranks

La Crescenta, CA – The AYF enlisted 16 new youth in its Western Region ranks on Sunday, November 7 at the Crescenta Valley Armenian Center.

To become full fledged members of the AYF applicants must complete an educational program and thereafter take an oath during a formal ceremony.

In his opening remarks on behalf of the Central Executive, Shant Baboujian, chairman of the AYF Western Region, stressed to the youth the importance of duty, responsibility and service to their respective communities and the Armenian Cause in general.

Thereafter, Baboujian invited past members of the AYF to share their memories and experiences with those taking their oaths. After a short question and answer session Baboujian introduced Dikran Sassounian, ARF Central Committee member and “Gnkahayr” of the evening to preside over the oath ceremony.

Sassounian explained to the youth that joining the AYF is not difficult, but each member is expected to work hard, display commitment to the organizationís goals and to contribute to the forward progress of our cause. Sassounian then proceeded with the oath ceremony, through which the youth pledged to devote their energies toward achieving a free, independent and united Armenia.

“Prior to taking their oath our newest members successfully completed the AYF Educational Program, designed to educate them about Armenian history, the Genocide, our struggles, and the organization in general” said Razmig Haroun, Education Director of the AYF. “Due to the continuous submission of applications, we expect the addition of another 20 members to our ranks in the coming months.”

The Central Executive presented each new member with a symbolic gift at the end of the ceremony, after which the new members, past members, and ARF members had the opportunity to interact.