Seta Kabranian-Melkonian

“Soviet Armenia and its people are extremely important for the life of Diaspora Armenians” 

These words, written in 1985, remain relevant like Monte's many other writings.

However, the key to that "extremely important" was having a strong Armenia. I know that praising Soviet Armenia is not fashionable these days. However, despite Soviet Armenia shortcomings and complex issues, one thing was indisputable for Monte, me and our comrades. Armenia was in progress. Yes, there were many mistakes to be corrected, many changes to be made. But the patriotism of Armenia’s people and leadership was not subject to doubt.

In a letter dated 6 June 1985, Monte stated, "I have heard a lot in recent weeks about the April 24 speeches in Yerevan. It's really exciting news. In your next letter, make sure to tell me about it. I know you also would have been there, and I want to hear your impressions. Soviet Armenia and the people there are extremely important for the life of Diaspora Armenians. I am very happy to hear about their patriotism. In your letter when you tell me about Armenia and your experiences there, I both learn and rejoice that you have the opportunity to see many places and get to know our homeland closely.”

It was the life of those Soviet years that gave my closest friends and me the opportunity to fall in love with Armenia. During those days I often repeated, "Armenia is like a person one deeply loves. You accept them along with their mistakes." In time, however, it was not the mistakes that remained, but the love expressed for the homeland and the people.

Around April 22, the whole nation participated in the "Leninian Sabbath". I feel guilty for not participating in all of them. However, I still remember the tree planting around Yerevan State University, the clearing of flower beds, our wonderful literature professor, Comrade Atapekian’s humor, and the smell of the moist soil. The caring hand of many professors and students to clean, sow, beautify what belonged to us all.

Monte dreamed of that homeland. About the sort of Armenian who, through constructive self-criticism, would learn from mistakes and move forward. About the people who would not go down to the level of name calling, spreading rumors about rivals, slandering right and left. Monte would have liked to see widespread care toward a fellow man, the proof of that was his behavior toward his soldiers. He would like to see each resident recognize their responsibility. Monte would have done everything in his power to prevent any catastrophe that threatens the people and the country, be it a pandemic or corruption.

I know there are people who love Monte. But let’s go beyond that love, and just a little also learn from him. Just a little, let's live by his example.