By james art IRVINE — The Orange County chapter of the Armenian National Committee of America announced the approval of the schematic design for the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Irvine’s Greater Park by the Irvine Greater Park Board. This milestone marks the official beginning of what will become the first public Armenian Genocide Memorial in Orange County, commemorating the 1.5 million Armenians who died during the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923.
The approved design, developed by the Orange County Armenian Genocide Memorial Committee, symbolizes both the profound loss and enduring hope of the Armenian people. At the heart of the memorial will be a powerful sculpture of a mother holding her child, representing resilience and the continuation of life in the midst of immense suffering. The memorial will also include culturally significant elements, including a crane, symbolizing the longing for the Armenian homeland, and a forget-me-not flower, the global symbol of Armenian Genocide remembrance.
“This is an important achievement for our community and we are deeply grateful to the Irvine Great Park Board and the Irvine City Council for their support,” said Dr. Kev Abazajian, Chair of the OC Armenian Genocide Memorial Committee. “This memorial will stand as a lasting testament to the resilience of the Armenian people and serve as a place of reflection and education for future generations.”
The total budget for the Armenian Genocide Memorial is estimated to be between $600,000 and $900,000, with all costs to be funded through donations collected by the OC Armenian Genocide Memorial Committee. The fundraising effort will take place over three years, beginning in 2025, with a goal of raising $200,000 to $300,000 annually. The memorial is expected to take two years to design and build, with installation planned for 2028, coinciding with the unveiling of its site at the heart of the park.
Great Park Board Chairman and Irvine City Council member Mike Carroll said, “The approval of the Armenian Genocide Memorial is a significant step in honoring the resilience of the Armenian community and ensuring that future generations understand the history and importance of remembrance.”
The memorial, set amidst the greenery of the Great Park, will offer a peaceful and contemplative environment for visitors to reflect on the historical significance of the Armenian Genocide and its lasting impact on the Armenian people.
For more information or to contribute to the Armenian Genocide Memorial fundraising efforts, please contact Dr. Abazajian at [email protected].
The Armenian National Committee of America is the largest and most influential nonpartisan Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, branches, and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations throughout the country, ANCA promotes the concern of the Armenian American community on a wide range of issues in pursuit of the Armenian cause.