2018 Armenian Genocide Commemoration

The Armenian Genocide Monument at Fresno State has become a recognized local landmark since its construction in 2015. The monument is both a symbol of the Armenian community’s vitality and its dedication to ensuring that the Genocide is not forgotten. On Tuesday April 24, approximately 1,000 Central Valley Armenians and community members gathered at the monument to commemorate the 103rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Community members brought flowers to lay at the Eternal Symbol in the center of the monument. As the sun set, the monument was lit with lights which highlighted its structure in colors red, blue and orange.

The event, organized by the Armenian Genocide Commemorative Committee (AGCC) of Fresno, was divided into a religious and civic portion. Community leaders and guest clergy in attendance included Dr. Joseph Castro, President of Fresno State; Monsignor Raymond Dreiling, Vicar General of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno; Pastor David Rutherford, Cross City Church; Rev. Fr. Jim Pappas, St. George Greek Orthodox Church; Rev. Bob Willis, Northpark Christian Church; Rabbi Rick Winer, Temple Beth Israel; and Vong Mouanoutoua, Clovis City Councilman.

The ceremony commenced with the Presentation of the Flags by the Homenetmen Scouts-Sassoun Chapter as the Charlie Keyan Armenian School students led the singing of the American and Armenian national anthems. Valley clergy from local Armenian churches then performed a joint religious service, offering prayers and messages of hope. Pastor Mike Mekredijian of First Armenian Presbyterian Church delivered the English sermon, stressing the centrality of Christianity to the Armenian people. Pastor Nerses Balabanian, of Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church, similarly highlighted God’s power over death in his Armenian sermon on Ezekiel Chapter 37.

To bridge the religious and civic portions of the evening, vocalist Misak Israelyan sang two beautiful Armenian songs. In the civic portion of the ceremony, Dr. Joseph Castro welcomed the audience to Fresno State and expressed his pride that the commemoration was taking place at the monument for the third consecutive year. “The unveiling of this monument on the 100th anniversary of the Genocide was one of the pivotal moments in the 107-year history of this university,” Castro explained. “It is because of the strong connection between this community and the university that Fresno State is the first campus in the nation with an Armenian Genocide Monument.”

Zaroohi Der Mugrdechian, the Master of Ceremonies and Chair of the AGCC, emphasized the AGCC’s dual mission to organize commemorative events and to educate local community students about the Genocide. “This annual event draws a larger group of concerned Armenians than any event held throughout the year in the San Joaquin Valley,” explained Der Mugrdechian. “The number of participants tells us that our mission to organize this event and our educational outreach is essential to Armenians.” Der Mugrdechian noted that the Committee plans to reach out to local high schools to ensure that teachers have the proper materials to accurately cover the Genocide.

Dr. Khatchig Mouradian (Columbia University) delivered the keynote address, stressing the Monument’s important role in educating students. “I am hopeful when I see students here today,” said Mouradian. “Perhaps some of us see this monument on April 24, but students pass it every day.” Mouradian explained that the “Velvet Revolution” in Armenia, which resulted in Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan’s resignation the day before, reminded him of the tremendous potential of the Armenian youth. “We must think of them not only as our future, but as our present.” He encouraged students in the audience to spread awareness of genocides around the world and to work daily to make their communities a better place.

Der Mugrdechian echoed these sentiments in her concluding remarks. “Commemorating the Genocide is crucial for us; however, we must also take action to give deeper and more widespread meaning to our memories.” Vocalist Misak Israelyan then led the audience in singing Yerevan Erepouni to conclude the evening. The united voices of the audience demonstrated the community’s passion for their homeland, despite having been dispersed from it over a century ago.