David of Sassoon
Epic Folk Hero of the Armenians
[Upper Marker:]
Donated to
the County of Fresno
by the People of Armenian Descent
of the San Joaquin Valley
August 11, 1970
Varaz Samuelian, Sculptor
[Lower Marker:]
David of Sassoon is the legendary folk-hero of the Armenians, who rid their land of foreign conquerors single-handedly. It is an epic based on historical events dating back to the Seventh Century A.D. Troubadours, poets and sculptors have immortalized him, for it gives eloquent expression to man's undying love of freedom, and justice for all. This statue, by Varaz Samuelian of Fresno represents a thousand Davids in a thousand lands where throughout all of history man has sought to sustain his freedom against overwhelming odds.
The base of which the statue stands has been designed to tell the story of the Armenian lands and people. It depicts their alphabet, their churches, their art and culture, and their history which dates back to 782 B.C. when the capitol city of Yerevan was founded.
This gift from the Armenians to the County of Fresno is made with their profound gratitude to this land which received them in their darkest hours, and provided them with the opportunity to be reborn.
Marker is at the intersection of Tulare Street and M Street, on the right when traveling west on Tulare Street.
Courtesy hmdb.org
