100,000 March From Hollywood to Turkish Consulate on Anniversary of 1915 Armenian Genocide

Thousands marched through Hollywood to mark the 100th anniversary of the 1915 Armenian Genocide on April 24, 2015. (Credit: KTLA)

by: Eric Spillman, Los Angeles Times, Sara Welch, Christina Pascucci, Rick Chambers

Posted: Apr 24, 2015 / 05:55 AM PDT

Updated: Apr 24, 2015 / 05:55 AM PDT

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Marchers created a mesmerizing blur of brightly colored flags Friday as they walked through the streets west of downtown Los Angeles to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armenian genocide.

Participants had a common, persistent theme, calling for recognition of the deaths of about 1.2 million Armenians as a genocide. Other estimates range to 1.5 million.

Many held nearly identical azure signs that thanked various countries for recognizing the Armenian genocide. President Obama has not used the word “genocide” in connection with the massacres since coming to office — and his name was greeted with boos at a ceremony before the march.

Many signs voiced forceful messages: “We Demand Justice” and “Turkey Must Pay.”