President Serzh Sargsyan`s congratulatory message on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the creation of the Armed Forces of Armenia.

RA President Serzh Sargsyan issued a congratulatory message on January 28, 2012, on the 20th anniversary of the Armed Forces of Armenia. The President’s message particularly reads:

Dear Compatriots,
Generals, officers, soldiers,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I cordially congratulate you on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the creation of the Armed Forces of Armenia. 

After losing independent statehood, the Armenian nation brought forth many warriors, but was not blessed with having its own army. The Armenian soldiers, officers and generals brought glory to different countries through their personal valor and dedication, but our nation’s sons were deprived of the opportunity to defend jointly interests of the Motherland and rights of the fellow citizens. 

Twenty years ago, we turned the wheel of history. It that critical time, our nation reinstated its independent statehood and took total responsibility for the protection of its rights and national interests. At the moment of that historic rise, the creation of the Armenian army was one of the most momentous achievements. 

There was an imperative to thwart the imminent danger of a genocide looming over the Armenian people and, particularly, over the Armenians of Artsakh. That vital episode of the army creation was necessitated by the time itself. 

Our cause was just, and we were ready for confrontation. We knew that we alone could protect our right to live. However, we also fully realized that that right and justice were our strength and resolve. 

Volunteers, who rose against intolerance, hostility and blind hatred, became the core of the Armenian regular army. At the moment of national awakening, many of those volunteers sacrificed their lives on the altar of the Motherland’s defense and security.

Eternal glory to them, reverence and admiration to their memory. 

Generals, officers, soldiers,

Anniversary of our Army is your professional holiday. Choosing this profession, you have assumed responsibility towards your contemporaries and future generations. But at the same time, you have chosen Vardan Mamikonian’s and Hovhannes Baghramian’s path, which means that your accomplishments will be measured by the standards set by them. I have no doubt that every military serviceman in the Republic of Armenia, regardless of his or her duty station and position, realizes that historic responsibility. 

Let’s recall that at the beginning we were counting arms and even bullets, while today we have an impressive level of weaponry. We have dug trenches meter by meter, hundreds of kilometers of military fortifications; we have constructed thousands of apartments for the servicemen and a respectable building for the Ministry of Defense. We have created a military-industrial complex and created a worthy image of the army. We have done all this together, the entire nation. And continue to do it through our work, through our trust in our army and exceptional warmth towards it. 

It’s hard to tell in a couple of words everything that has been done in twenty years. The military parade dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the reinstated Armenian independence and the ceasefire, which is being preserved since 1994, are the most precise report and test held before the people of Armenia and the entire Armenian nation. 

The Armed Forced of the Republic of Armenia are among the most important guarantees of the preservation of the balance, hence of the peace and security in our region. Today, our troops guard Armenia’s peace and tranquility; at the same time they are engaged in the international peace-keeping missions, where they have manifested their best qualities and multiplied their reputation of the disciplined and brave soldiers. 

I once again congratulate us all on the occasion of this glorious holiday. I wish that peace always reign in our country and the region, and our people continue their creative work for the benefit of Armenia’s empowerment and advancement. 

Glory to the Armed Forces of Armenia!
Long live the Republic of Armenia!