Just after hundreds of local Assyrians made their way to San Francisco on Saturday to join the ranks of 2,000 others in protest of the ongoing persecution of Christians in Iraq, local Assyrians gathered again Thursday evening to commemorate the loss of all Assyrians during Assyrian Martyr Day.  

“Assyrian Martyr Day has been celebrated on August 7 all over the world and has been a tradition at the Assyrian American Civic Club for years. In light of recent events, this year will be exceptional,” said Raymond George, past president of the Civic Club.

Individuals from surrounding Stanislaus County towns, organizations, and churches gathered to commemorate the martyrs through personal speeches and as well as held a candlelight ceremony.