On April 24, commemorative events dedicated to the memory of the 1.5 million innocent and already canonized martyrs of the Armenian Genocide of 1915 were held in several cities across the Kingdom of Spain, including the city of Alicante, Hasmik Kocharyan reports to Hayern Aysor from Spain.

The event called “I Remember and Demand” was organized by President of the “Hayastan” Union of Armenians of Alicante Hasmik Kocharyan near the cross-stone monument placed through funding provided by benefactor Tevos Safaryan at La Palmera Park of Alicante in 2008. There were signs showing historical facts and photos of cultural monuments near the monument.

The event included performances of the Armenian songs “Hov Arek Sarer Jan”, “Le Le Yaman”, “Chinar Es”, “Antuni” and “Garuna” by Soprano Susanna Vardanyan, violist Anahit Avayan, cellist Antoin Harutyunyan and pianist Vasil Soledovnik.

Among those attending the event were Armenians from Alicante, Elda, Elche, Oriuela, Benidorm, Murcia, San Juan, San Vincente and other cities. Joining the Armenians in paying tribute were many citizens of Spain, including high-ranking officials of Alicante Municipality Sonia Alegría, Pablo Sandoval and former mayor Luis Alperi Días. The cross-stone was placed during the latter’s term in office and was recently vandalized.

Some people had tried to insult and terrorize the Armenians again with the hope to prevent the commemorative event from taking place on April 24. This event affirmed that there is no power in the world that can intimidate the Armenians and keep them away from stating their just claims for remembrance, justice and reparations.