Monument to Monte Melkonian nears completion in Fresno

Construction of a monument to Monte Melkonian is nearing completion in Fresno, California. The project is funded by donations from 180 local residents, and the city has already issued a permit to install the statue. Work is expected to be finished within a month.

The idea came from physician and community figure Garo Khachikian. "Our children need to know who he was, how he lived and what he fought for," he said.

The granite statue will stand next to the monument to Soghomon Tehlirian. The pedestal will resemble a rock, and inscriptions in Armenian and English will tell the story of Melkonian's life. The sculptor is Maghakia Simonyan.

Monte Melkonian, a native of California, was killed on 12 June 1993 at the age of 35 during the Karabakh war. The date of the unveiling ceremony will be announced later.