Tonight we are inspired by the very first community event our chapter hosted in 1942 — a cherry blossom themed celebration, a pinnacle symbol of Washington DC, that marked our founding. Just as our chapter carries the name Ani, the historic capital of Armenia, this event symbolizes a bridge between two capitals – Washington, DC and Ani – uniting where we live today with the roots of our heritage and reaffirming our unwavering vision of a homeland that is free, independent, and united.
We are here to celebrate both our chapter and our community. The AYF has had such a special impact on our lives and I personally hold this organization very close to my heart. I joined the AYF relatively late compared to most. I was always “adjacent” to the AYF, I would come to events, and dances just like this one, but I was never officially a part of the AYF “DC” chapter.
It wasn’t until my freshman year of college that I felt such a prominent distance from my heritage. Surrounded by people who couldn’t even point out Armenia on a map, I knew something had to change. It was the beginning of 2023 that I told my sister — who was on the DC executive at the time — that I wanted to come to a meeting. I remember very clearly that it was a joint meeting with our junior chapter. To see dozens of people who were willing to spend their Friday night in a crowded and sweaty church basement, just to learn from and collaborate with their fellow Armenians, made me realize that I was indeed in the right place.
Out of the three years that I have been part of this chapter, I have been on the executive as treasurer for two years, went to camp Haiastan for tri-regional seminar, went to Armenia to participate in the AYF Summer Internship program, and Camp Javakhk in the village of Akhalkalak, and went to Olympics in Boston.
It is safe to say that this community immediately welcomed me with open arms, and I feel incredibly grateful to give back as much as I can. I have made some lifelong friendships, and amazing memories while still keeping the greater cause in mind, of working towards a free, united, and independent Armenia.
With the current state of our homeland, it is more important now than ever to be active and present within our community. Assimilation and apathy is something we need to consistently fight against, in order to stay connected to our roots, and demand justice for the unfortunate and unethical events taking place in our homeland today. Over time, I have come to understand the importance of maintaining the strength in our community — understood in a light that I hadn’t seen before. I’ve realized that the investment in our youth is of the utmost importance, in order to give them a sense of purpose rooted in their heritage. We cannot thrive without nurturing our AYF juniors and seniors, and ensuring they receive the same opportunities that me and many of you were lucky enough to experience.
The Capital Ball today isn’t just a celebration of who we are – it’s a commitment to who we’re becoming. It’s an important fundraiser that helps us carry this mission forward. The funds we raise tonight will directly support our juniors.
This work is something we carry forward together.
We rely on the continued support of our alumni, our parents, our ungers and ungerouhis, and the incredible church and community organizations in this room and across our broader Armenian community. Your encouragement, your mentorship, and your financial contributions are what keep this chapter vibrant and growing. Whether it’s helping send a junior to seminar, funding a cultural workshop, or supporting our day-to-day efforts, your investment tonight helps shape the next generation of Armenian leaders.
The AYF “Ani” Seniors and “Sevan” Juniors are blessed to have the ongoing support of the ARF Sebough Gomideh, our sister organizations — ARS, Hamazkayin, & Homenetment — the Soorp Khatch Armenian Church Pastor and Board of Trustees, the AYC, ANCA, and AYF Alumni, parents, members, and friends who help our chapter thrive. We would also like to offer special thanks to Nora’s Kabob for providing the delicious dinner this evening, UEvents DC for lighting and technical support, and U. Shirag Ohannesian for tonight’s entertainment.
