You Have Not Lost, Armenian Army, I Know You Well. You Have Been Betrayed. Serzh Sargsyan's Message

The third President of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan, has sent a message on the occasion of Army Day, stating: “Armenian Army, our beloved child, your birthday is one of our people's sacred holidays, which we have always celebrated with joy. However, today the mood is different: we are all saddened, grieving for the loss of part of our Homeland, for our fallen heroes, and worried about the future of our state and nation. A parent, however, never abandons their child in any circumstances and especially does not leave them alone in difficult moments.

Our people have raised their child at the cost of sacrifices, having undergone unimaginable trials, and have nurtured a patriotic offspring. Therefore, today I unreservedly say: happy birthday, Armenian Army. On behalf of my combat comrades who stood at the roots of your formation and establishment, I tell you: you have not lost. I know you well; you have been betrayed, struck from behind, severely wounded, while in recent years everything has been done to discredit and weaken you. Yet you have selflessly fulfilled your duty. And today, thousands of parents tell stories of your exploits, unable to imagine who and where led you astray and set the trap for you.

The enemy, who has always feared you, knows well what insidious means they have used to achieve their goals. You are still the same strong one, and let no one boast that they have defeated you. Your strength will still be shown, reminding the enemy of their not-so-distant shameful past. You have been and remain the cornerstone of our independence, the guarantor of our people, and the security of our brothers and sisters in Artsakh.

Straighten your back, clench your pain between your teeth, and look forward, learning lessons from the past. Our path, no matter how difficult and mined it may be—internally or externally—we will traverse together, relying on each other, overcoming all difficulties. Our great family—the Homeland, the land and water soaked in the blood of our heroes—needs your protection today more than ever.

Eternal glory to you, glory to all our heroes who have forged your glorious path, whether alive or fallen.