A program celebrating the life and legacy of famed Armenian commander Monte Melkonian will be taking place on Sunday, December 4, 2011, at Zoryan Museum, Burbank, CA, on the occasion of what would have been his 54th birthday.

Monte Melkonian, a California native, was an intellectual and a freedom fighter who dedicated his life to the national-liberation struggle of the Armenian nation. He played a key role in the liberation of Artsakh and was awarded the title of National Hero of the Republic of Armenia.

Among the speakers of the event will be Professor Markar Melkonian, brother of Monte and author of “My Brother’s Road: An American’s Fateful Journey to Armenia.” Joining the program via Skype will be Seta Melkonian, Monte’s wife; Dr. Armen Ayvazyan, a historian and political scientist; General Hmayak Haroyan, Monte’s military companion in Artsakh and a renowned general in the Armenian armed forces; and government officials of the liberated Kashatagh region of Artsakh.

The event will offer an exhibit which will include Monte’s personal items and letters, as well as photos of ancient Armenian monuments in the liberated territory.