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Pasadena Armenian Genocide Memorial a powerful tribute to victims

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  • Pasadena Armenian Genocide Memorial a powerful tribute to victims

    Contra Costa Times
    April 19 2015


    Pasadena Armenian Genocide Memorial a powerful tribute to victims

    Brian Day


    PASADENA >> More than 1,500 members and supporters of the Southland's
    Armenian community gathered Saturday to celebrate the dedication of
    the long-awaited Pasadena Armenian Genocide Memorial.

    The monument at Memorial Park stands in stoic tribute to the 1.5
    million Armenians killed by the Ottoman Turks between 1915 and 1923.
    Its dedication comes just under a week before the 100th anniversary of
    the Armenian Genocide.

    The memorial, which has been in planning for three years, was unveiled
    to applause following a ceremony attended by Armenian clergy from
    throughout the region and officials from throughout the region,
    ranging from Los Angeles County Sheriff's Jim McDonnell to
    Congresswoman Judy Chu.

    "It's hard for us to understand, to comprehend, the deaths of a
    million-and-a-half people. But nevertheless, we have a responsibility,
    all of us, to make sure that everyone is aware of this tragic and
    discrediting event in the history of mankind," Mayor Bill Bogaard
    said. "We must do our best to assure that events like this do not
    happen in the future."

    The monument consists of a metal tripod standing 16 feet tall, in
    remembrance of similar tripods which Armenian leaders were hung from
    during the genocide. From the top of the tripod, a drop of water falls
    every 21 seconds. Each year, 1.5 million drops of water -- one for each
    of the genocide victims -- will drop into a basin adorned with the
    ancient Armenian symbol for eternity.

    Then-student at Pasadena's Art Center College of Design Catherine
    Menard's design was selected from a field of 17 entries to become the
    Pasadena Armenian Genocide Memorial. She has since graduated.

    "I approached this project with caution and reverence and a longing to
    conjure something meaningful and create an emotional experience,"
    Menard said. "My hope is that it will be significantly important to
    the Armenian community an eye opening and moving to the unaware
    passer-by."

    Pasadena Armenian Genocide Memorial Committee board members and former
    state Assemblyman Anthony Portantino of La CaƱada Flintridge said he
    was thrilled to see the monument finally unveiled.

    "It's a magnificent memorial in a special city with a warm community
    that's faces horrendous tragedy, but thrives today," he said.

    The U.S. government has not officially recognized the mass killing as
    a genocide.

    PAGMC members thanks the vast array of community partners and donors
    that made the memorial possible.

    Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich said he and his
    fellow supervisors plan to author a letter to the president and
    congress at their next meeting to say, "enough is enough. It's time to
    recognize."


    http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_27945745/pasadena-armenian-genocide-memorial-powerful-tribute-victims

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