RA First Deputy Minister of Defense David Tonoyan visited Artsakh hero Vahagn Vardevanyan`s family on his 45th birthday-anniversary.

In light of the 45th birthday-anniversary of deceased freedom fighter, Artsakh hero, recipient of the RA and NKR "Combat Cross" 1st degree medal Vahagn Vardevanyan, RA First Deputy Minister of Defense David Tonoyan today visited his home.

Attending the meeting were Vahagn Vardevanyan's two sons - Vahram and Arsen Vardevanyan, who are currently serving in the Armenian army. The First Deputy Minister of Defense wished them good service and expressed confidence that the youth would keep the good name of their father, reports the MD press service.

Vahagn Vardevanyan participated in the self-defense and liberation battles in the Armenian Ararat (Yeraskh) region, the Goris (Shurnukh, Goris-Kapan highway) region, Ijevan and the NKR Askeran (Khojalu) region, the Kubatlu (Seytaz, Verin Chibikli, Nerkin Chibikli, Gyulebirt) region, the Martakert (Karmiravan) region and the Aghdam (Papravend, "Wine Factory" and "Gomer" districts) region in 1989-94.

On the night of 21 April 1994, 38 freedom fighters of his detachment were positioned near Karmiravan village (Martakert region, NKR). Not sensing the danger of being surrounded, he and 13 freedom fighters sacrificed their lives to ensure the others' defeat. Surrounded after the death of the 13 freedom fighters, Vahagn refused the opponent's offer to be held captive and continued the battle until the ammunition ended. When the opponent approached him, he threw the grenade, killed four opponents and died. He was a Senior Lieutenant of the Armenian Army (1993) and was awarded the RA and NKR post-mortum "Combat Cross" 1st degree medals. School N 173 in Yerevan was named after him, a bust was placed at the school and a room of glory was opened. He is buried at Yerablur Pantheon. He is a hero of Artsakh (8 May 2006) and was awarded with posthumous "Golden Eagle" Medal.