In Memory of Monte Melkonian

Seta Kabranian-Melkonian

In recent times, I often receive messages and notes from individuals who, in their confusion and disappointment, are eager to hear something optimistic about our homeland and our people. Many simply wish to hang on to a positive example and perhaps that’s why through me they look for a glimpse of their beloved RA National Hero Monte Melkonian.

Searching for answers, I once again turn to Monte's letters. On 20 November 1988, while in prison he wrote to me: 

“Without political clear mindedness the people with the best intentions can do a lot of harm. In one of your letters years and years ago you remarked that I was a very demanding (խստապահանջ) person. Yes, at least in the patriotic issues I am because I take our people, our homeland and our future very, very seriously. No one has the right to not be խստապահանջ. 

…our Diaspora is in a terribly bad situation. Worse than we think at first sight. Despite all this we must find a way to push forward. We must create a hard working positive trend that will overcome the difficulties one-by-one. It will be very hard, but we must do it.”

Monte took on this difficult task with utmost diligence and dedication. He believed in the intellectual capacity of his people and their ability to overcome difficulties. I understand that over time, Monte has become part of the folklore. Many stories, both true and untrue, circulate about him. On rare occasions, there are also those who spread rumors concerning him. One thing is undeniable: Monte always remained true to his principles. Indolence, greed, and envy were not part of his life.

I guess it was in the summer of 1992. Monte’s driver Komitas and I were waiting for him in his old Willis in front of the Ministry of Defense in Stepanakert, Artsakh.  A red, eye-catching shiny Niva passed by us.

“That car could have been your husband’s, but he didn’t want it. They gave one to every regional commander,” Komitas said, a bit still in disbelief. 

“Do you know why he didn’t want it?” I asked.

"Beats me. He told the minister: I don't need a new car. If you have Willis in better condition, I'll take it,” he said.

For a moment I thought of Monte's unusual manners. Materialism and lavishness were not for him. Monte's joy and sadness depended on the condition of the people under his responsibility. For us, personal and national situations were inseparable. The future we envisioned was closely tied to the future of our country, where, overcoming difficulties, with united efforts we would "organize and take concrete, tangible steps" to move forward.