Yesterday the walking statue of Kirk Kerkorian, the national hero of Armenia and a benefactor was placed in Gyumri’s Abovyan Boulevard. Moreover, this very boulevard was named after Kirk Kerkorian two years ago upon the decree of Gyumri City Council, however, it is not yet confirmed: we have right to naming the street 5 years succeeding the death of the person alone. The initiator was America residing Gyumri national, Grigor Bediryan. The sculptor is Artush Papoyan.
The opening ceremony of the statue was attended not only by Gyumri people but also American Armenians. During the ceremony, Gyumri people listed the charity Kirk Kerkorian had made particularly for Gyumri one by one. The American Armenian benefactor had founded “Lincy” foundation to give aid to the people damaged by Spitak earthquake, donating $220.000.000 to the economy of Armenia. He has spent $73 million to road construction alone, upgrading 435 km roads of state significance. $45 million was allocated to the restoration of the housing stock ruined by the earthquake, constructing 149 buildings with 3674 apartments in Shirak and Lori Regions.
Samvel Balasanyan, Gyumri Mayor mentioned that he had built 2800 apartments in Gyumri alone. He also added that the great benefactor was refusing and did not allow to name a street after him or to place his statue.
“Kirk Kerkorian will bring a new development to Gyumri,” announced Samvel Balasanyan, saying that the statue is very beautiful.
Benefactor Grigor Bediryan mentioned that he met with Kirk Kerkorian in 1996. When he came to his fatherland in 1992, he saw his dear city in ruins. During his second visit in 1994 he witnessed significant changes due to Kirk Kerkorian and decided to place his statue in Gyumri in order to express his gratitude to this person: “I did not do much, let the youths learn to be grateful.”
It is noteworthy to mention that the message of the walking statue of Kirk Kerkorian, according to Gyumri people, is that he is one of us, he is among us and that for going forward one should not stand in one place, but move forward.
Nune AREVSHATYAN
