The Genocide Monument (Tsitsernakaberd) is designed to memorialize the innocent victims of the first Genocide in 1915. The Genocide Museum's mission statement is rooted in the fact that understanding the Armenian Genocide is an important step in preventing similar future tragedies, in keeping with the notion that those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it. The 44 meter stele symbolizes the national rebirth of Armenians. 12 slabs are positioned in a circle, representing the 12 last provinces in present day. In the center of the cirlce, at a depth of 15 metres, there is an eternal flame dedicated to the 1.5 million Armenians killed during the Armenian Genocide.