MONTEBELLO – After years of advocacy, Senator Bob Archuleta (D-Pico Rivera) affirmed that the State Historical Resources Commission unanimously voted to officially designate the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Monument, located in the 30th Senate District, as a California State Historical Landmark.
With deep roots in the community from his tenure with the Montebello Police Department and his ongoing commitment as a Senator, Archuleta has long recognized the monument’s critical importance to the Armenian community in Montebello, where the Monument is located. For years, Archuleta has championed the cause to ensure that this historic site receives the honor it deserves.
During a special event on February 21, Archuleta will be joined by Montebello Mayor Salvador Melendez; Western Prelate Archbishop Kegham Khacherian; Western Primate Archbishop Hovan Derderian; Monsignor Parsegh Baghdassarian, I.C.P.B. Chairman Armand Baghdoyan; as well as twin brothers, Nick and Dylan Khatchikian, members of the Mesrobian High School basketball team who will be recognized for breaking the CIF points and assist record.
“Recognizing this monument as a California State Historical Landmark is a commitment to preserving a legacy that not only honors the past but also educates future generations about the enduring spirit of resilience and cultural identity,” a statement from Archuleta’s office said.
Constructed as a modern, sculptural interpretation of traditional Armenian Church architecture, the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Monument holds the distinction of being the first major monument dedicated to the Armenian Genocide in the United States, as well as the first of its kind on public land. Its establishment, in 1968, was made possible through the dedication and efforts of the Armenian American community and has become a powerful symbol of pride and remembrance for the diaspora.
