Asserting 'Strong Army' Means Strong State: Armen Sarkissian

Today, a ceremony dedicated to the 28th anniversary of the formation of the Armenian military took place at the Presidential Palace, during which several military personnel, doctors, and workers from culture, sports, science, and other sectors were awarded. At the end of the award ceremony, President Armen Sarkissian delivered a speech reflecting on the history and role of the Armenian army.

“On the Army Day, we cannot fail to remember the thousands of Armenians who gave their lives for the dream of having a strong national army, lives given centuries ago, a hundred years ago during the Great Patriotic War, and those who gave their lives during the Artsakh liberation struggle. Just 28 years ago, on January 28, 1992, an order was adopted by the President of Armenia establishing the law on the Ministry of Defense, and it was declared by presidential decree that we have a national army. In a sense, we have not only dreamed of this day but have also prepared for it,” said the president.

In his speech, Armen Sarkissian recalled significant historical turning points for the republic, including the battles of Sardarapat, Qarakilisa, and Bash-Aparan, participation in the Great Patriotic War, as well as the Artsakh heroic battles. “And, of course, in the early days of the Artsakh battles, we showed what we are capable of, where the secret of our victories lies, and regardless of where we were born, what we believed in, we united and achieved victory, creating the Armenian national army. By saying 'state,' we understand the army; by saying 'strong army,' we understand a strong state,” emphasized the president.