Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Freeway Sign Directs Public to Montebello Armenian Genocide Monument

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Freeway Sign Directs Public to Montebello Armenian Genocide Monument

    Freeway Sign Directs Public to Montebello Armenian Genocide Monument

    By Sandra T. Molina, Writer
    Published: 04/01/2011

    MONTEBELLO - About 200 people gathered Friday at an unveiling ceremony
    for a highway sign that local Armenians called, "historic."

    Assembly majority leader Charles Calderon, D-Montebello, uncovered the
    directional sign, "Armenian Genocide Martyrs Monument," at the
    Garfield/Wilcox off-ramp of the Pomona (60) Freeway.

    "The sign marks the location of the only memorial in California honoring
    the victims and survivors of the Armenian genocide," Calderon said.
    "It's not just another freeway sign."

    The freeway sign installation was authorized by an act of the state
    Legislature, ACR 148, which was authored by Calderon and adopted in
    2010.

    It authorized the California Department of Transportation to erect signs
    on the 60 Freeway directing motorists to the Armenian Genocide Martyrs
    Monument at Bicknell Park, 901 Via San Clemente.

    The monument, under strong opposition from state and federal entities,
    including the U.S. State Department, was approved by the Montebello City
    Council in 1965.

    It symbolized the first genocide of the 20th century and is in memory of
    the 1.5 million Armenians who were systematically annihilated at the
    hands of the Ottoman Turkish government from 1915 to 1923, Calderon
    said.

    Rev. Nareg Pehlivanian, of Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, said
    the day was a dream come true and the sign would advance the cause of
    educating people on the genocide.

    "I share your joy on this historic day," he told the crowd.

    "I am feeling most triumphant today," said Montebello Armenian Center
    Chairman Nazareth Sadorian. "It's a celebration and partial victory for
    our ancestors."

    Although he warned the sign does not mean an end to the advocacy of
    recognizing the genocide, it is a step forward for Armenians everywhere.

    "It makes sure that the genocide is not lost in the archives, but is out
    in the open," Sadorian said.

    Grigor Hovhannissian, consulate general of The Republic of Armenia in
    Los Angeles, said the sign would "send shock waves" to the world, as did
    the monument.

    "It will probably cause some kind of shock to drivers, especially with
    the words, `genocide' and `martyrs,"' he said.

    [email protected]
    562-698-0955, ext. 3029




    From: A. Papazian
Working...
X