On Friday, February 21, 2025, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, accompanied by Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, Dean of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church of Glendale, attended and offered prayers alongside religious leaders of Western United States in front of the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Monument in Montebello. The ceremony marked the official designation of Armenian Genocide Martyrs Monument in Montebello as a California State Historic Landmark, a recognition initiated by California State Senator Bob Archuleta.
The ceremony was attended by federal and state officials, Mr. Jack Hadjinian, member of the Executive Council of the Western Prelacy, representatives of Armenian and American media, students of Armenian Mesrobian School, and guests.
The American and Armenian national anthems were performed by students of Armenian Mesrobian School. Speeches of historical and political significance were delivered by Senator Bob Archuleta, representatives from the California State Historical Resources Committee, Montebello city officials, and others who emphasized that the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Monument stands as a living testament to the Armenian Genocide of the 20th century and serves as a solemn reminder that the atrocities committed by the Ottoman Empire should neither be forgotten nor ever repeated in the history of humanity.
