YEREVAN—As Armenia marked the 22nd anniversary of Armed Forces Day Tuesday, President Serzh Sarkisian honored Karabakh soldiers, among them junior sergeant Armen Hovhannesyan, who died last week in defense of Artsakh borders.
During a ceremony, Sarkisian awarded Hovhannesyan posthumously the “Medal for Service to the Homeland” and presented to his parents. Sarkisian also awarded Hovhannesyan’s commander, Lieutenant Sargis Tananian and five other Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Defense Army servicemen with medals.
“Your mission is unique, that is why it’s called a service rather than work. Our entire nation treats your work with reverence and has a sense of gratitude toward each soldier of our Army and homeland,” said Sarkisian in his remarks at the ceremony.
“You are the shield under which our whole nation lives and creates. I was lucky enough to hand you the awards of the Republic of Armenia, but they are an appreciation given by our country and the entire Armenian people,” added Sarkisian.
Earlier in the day, Sarkisian led a delegation of government officials, among them Nagorno-Karabakh Republic President Bako Sahakian to Yerablur National Cemetery to pay tribute to soldiers who gave their lives in the defense of the homeland.
Sahakian issued a statement congratulating Armenia on Armed Forces Day saying: “It is an undeniable fact that today the Armenian army is the most efficient and organized army in the region, which is among the greatest achievements of our nation.”
“Following the example of their heroic fathers and grandfathers, the brave soldiers of our glorious army perform the tasks set before them with flying colors, providing security for the homeland and the nation, safeguarding the state borders. This is a vivid manifestation of patriotism and devotion,” added Sahakian.
I feel sad for Armen’s mother.., then I feel proud of our brave soldiers, where until today bravery is part of our survival as a Nation, where so many empires born and gone with the wind. Armenia still holding Urartus and Ararat Valley Kingdom’s flame holder in a volatile Armenian Highlands!
January 28th should be celebrated as the Day of Rebirth of the Armenian Army. The real Armenian Army birthday should be celebrated on August 11 when in 2492 BC, 45 centuries ago, Haik Nahapet defeated King Bel.