BY ANUSH ALEXANIAN HOVIAN
On April 24, 2003, the Glendale Armenian Genocide Monument was unveiled with great pomp, a liturgy and a candlelight vigil. Erected by the Mayor of Glendale, it is located in the heart of the city at the corner of Mountain View and Glendale Aves., adjacent to the Civic Auditorium, across from the Armenian Catholic Church.
Each year on April 24, I walk to the gloomy but suggestive monument. I burn incense, lay flowers and walk home silently and sadly, asking myself why this monument is so neglected.
On the morning of April 24, 2023, my friend, like every patriotic person, sad and restless, came to me because she was unable to attend events being held in Montebello or across Los Angeles for various reasons.
We tried to talk, analyze the past and the present, and discussed ways to keep the memory of our innocent April 24 victims alive, and how to avoid the repeated genocide planned by our enemies.
My friend and I went to church, then I led her to the monument, as is my custom every year. Taking a few of the flowers that were blessed in the church, we walked to the “Unseen Monument” nearby and placed the flowers on it.
We experienced great satisfaction when we returned to the church and met a young woman with four children, who was standing near the statue of Jesus Christ, lighting candles, praying and telling the children about the mystery of April 24.
We approached her and told her about the monument, which she was very surprised and excited to hear about. Soon, she and her children walked towards the monument, and they were followed by a dozen churchgoers, all very moved and surprised that, somehow, the monument placed by the city hall in the heart of Glendale is so ignored.
I hope that the relevant authorities will take advantage of this opportunity and, with a more appropriate and official ceremony, give us the opportunity to visit in a more formal manner and offer our respect and vows in memory of our innocent victims.
