STEPANAKERT, Karabagh (PanARMENIAN.Net) — Armenia and Karabagh marked the 20th death anniversary of Artsakh war hero Monte Melkonian on June 12.
Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan visited the town of Martuni and took part in the events dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Melkonyan’s death.
Sahakyan laid wreaths to the monuments of Melkonian and perished soldiers as well as took part in a meeting held in memory of Monte Melkonian in Martuni Culture Palace.
Primate of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan, National Assembly Deputy Speaker Arthur Tovmasyan, vice prime-minister Arthur Aghabekyan, head of the General Staff of Armenia’s Armed Forces Yuri Khachaturov, NKR defense minister Movses Hakobyan, other officials, guests from Armenia and the Diaspora partook in the events, Central Information Department at NKR President’s Office reported.
Melkonian was born on November 25, 1957, outside Fresno, Calif. In 1969, his family moved to Spain. After leaving school, Melkonian left for Turkey to see his ancestoral lands. Later, he moved to Lebanon. Upon his return to United States, Monte entered Berkley University, to specialize in archaeology and Asian history. After internship in Japan he worked as a teacher in the Armenian schools of Iran and Lebanon (beginning 1957).
