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.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian led the recitation of the Hayr Mer after which he invited Fr. Vazken Movsesian to offer a prayer on behalf of all the clergy present. He informed the audience that Fr. Vazken was present when the Monument was opened, as a 12-year-old boy.

Fr. Vazken, expressed his appreciation. "This is truly an honor, especially because I stand between generations. My father, Varougan Movsesian, was one of the 18 dreamers on the Monument Council in 1968 who made the dream of a monument into a reality. And today, I'm looking out and seeing the students of Mesrobian and my grandchildren, for whom this monument will now be protected as a historic landmark. Let us pray...

Heavenly Father, we thank you for this beautiful day and this chance to leave a legacy by designating our Martyrs' Monument as a historic landmark. Bless all those who made this a possibility.

Montebello means beautiful mountain, and with this monument and all that it symbolizes – the 1.5 million  martyred SAINTS of the Armenian Genocide, this has become a holy and sacred mountain for us, a place where we can remember the past and also stand in thanksgiving to this country, the United States of America, for opening its doors to us as a place of safety and a place where we felt belonging.

Bless, O Lord, the work of our hands. May this monument continue to stand as a beacon of remembrance and inspiration, inspiring us and the generations to come, to remain vigilant against injustice and wherever the unspeakable crime of Genocide is thought of in this world. May we be moved to action and work for peace. We ask this in the name of the Prince of Peace, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen."

In his invocation, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian expressed his wholehearted gratitude to State Senator Bob Archuleta, for spearheading 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. His Eminence also expressed words of appreciation to the City of Montebello and the State Historical Resources Commission of California (SHRC) for their role in the designation.

“The designation of the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Monument in Montebello as a California State Historic Landmark is not just an honor but a solemn duty—to remember, to educate, and to ensure that the truth of history is never erased. This monument, standing tall since 1968, serves as a beacon of remembrance for the 1.5 million martyrs who perished in the Armenian Genocide. It is a sacred place where descendants of survivors and the broader community come together to reaffirm their commitment to justice and human rights,” stated His Eminence in part.

Archbishop Derderian also referenced the Pontifical Visit of His Holiness Vazken I, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians to Montebello in 1968. “With great reverence, His Holiness consecrated this monument, recognizing the critical role of the Armenian diaspora in preserving the memory of the Genocide.”

Click here to read the Primate’s message in its entirety.

“Today, I like to believe that I have made a difference in the Armenian life and in the life of the Armenian-American community, ” stated State Senator Archuleta in part in his address.  “This designation will ensure that the 1.5 million martyred souls will never be forgotten,” he continued.

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 Marnjikian, Michael Minasian, Vasken Minasian, Bob Movel, Varoujan Movsesian, Hagop Nazarian, Misak Sevacherian and Jivan Tabibian.