About 4,000 people attended a somber ceremony to unveil the Armenian Genocide Centennial Monument in Fresno, California.

The stone-and-concrete monument has 9 pillars that are similar to the columns of the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan and represent the vilayets of historic Armenia, Cilicia, as well as Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora.

“This beautiful monument is one visible action which demonstrates our strong commitment to human rights and justice here in the United States, and throughout the world,” said Fresno State President Joseph Castro.

Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles Sergey Sarkisov, as well as a number of elected officials and religious leaders from Fresno and the Valley attended the ceremony, the Fresno Bee reports.

“We appreciate the incredible contributions of the Armenian people in Fresno and we all stand together in solidarity and in support of the Armenian people,” said Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin.

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