ARMENIAN GENOCIDE MARTYRS MONUMENT IN MONTEBELLO DESIGNATED AS A STATE HISTORIC LANDMARK

· February 24, 2025

Montebello — The California State Historical Resources Commission unanimously voted to recognize the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Monument in Montebello as an official state landmark on February 7, 2025. The landmark event marked a historic moment for the Armenian-American community and represented a significant achievement in recognizing the struggles and enduring spirit of Armenian people.

The official designation, attended by state and local officials, as well as Armenian community organizations, was held on Friday, February 21, 2025 in Bicknell Park, the site of the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Monument. The event commenced with an invocation and prayers by the leaders of the Armenian Apostolic and Catholic Churches including Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Archbishop Kegham Khatcherian and Bishop Parsegh Baghdassarian as well as clergy of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

State Senator Bob Archuleta spearheaded the designation efforts and recognizing the monument’s critical importance to the Armenian community in paying homage to the 1.5 million martyrs of the first genocide of the 20^th century.

The Armenian Genocide Martyrs Monument was unveiled in April, 1968 to honor the martyrs of the Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the Turkish government from 1915 through 1921, as well as to honor all victims of crimes against humanity.

The original 18 founding members of the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Monument were as follows: Hagop Abduian, Hrant Agbabian, Krikor Aivazian, Hagop and Marilyn Arshagouni, Vartan Fundukian, Harmik Hacobian, Dr. Richard Hovannisian, Osheen Keshishian, George Mandossian, Hagop Manjikian, Michael Minasian, Vasken Minasian, Bob Movel, Varoujan Movsesian, Hagop Nazarian, Misak Sevacherian and Jivan Tabibian.