A Park Dedicated to the Memory of Fallen Soldiers Vardan and Virab Opened in Yerevan

Today, September 13, in the Shengavit administrative district of Yerevan, at 8 Frunze Street, a ceremony was held for the opening of a memorial stone, a fountain, and a park dedicated to the memory of fallen conscripts Vardan Zakaryan and Virab Babayan, who died in the 44-day war in Artsakh. Shamshyan.com reports that the yard, where the legendary Virab and Vardan spent their childhood and youth, was filled with people. From here, they set off to the army.

During the event, medals awarded by the President of the Republic of Artsakh were presented to the heroes' parents by the Ministry of Defense. A representative from the Veterans Union of Artsakh addressed the parents, moving many attendees. Among those present were also comrades of heroes Vardan and Virab, including members of the commanding staff, who shared their thoughts, saying: "How does a legend come to be? These guys were true legends. You would never think they were only a few weeks into their service. From the very start of their service, we realized that for them, their homeland and home began at the front line. These guys and all soldiers like them did not lose this fight. In this battle, they fought with the spirit of a true Armenian, with the perseverance of a true Armenian, with the courage of a true Armenian until the end against an armed opponent. One corner of Virab's house has also become a small museum. Even on weekends, people visit the hero's house, share their memories with the parents, and tell stories that bring pride to the parents. In such a short life, he was able to prove that he was always at the top, and Vardan was also always at the top, who would have turned 23 today. With your death, you have grasped the path to eternity. We will not let you be absent, and in the sanctuary built in the yard with your large photographs, every day your heroic stories will be a topic of conversation.

So you and all soldiers like you did not fail, but rather triumphed."

Biography of Vardan Arthur Zakaryan
Born on September 13, 1998, in Charentsavan. In 2004, he was admitted to Charentsavan M. Mashtots School, where he studied until 2010. He then transferred and continued his education at Yerevan School No. 18. In 2013, he was accepted into the culinary department of the Armenian Greek State College, where he studied for 3 years. In 2018, he was admitted to the Agricultural Institute, but in 2020, he left school and was drafted into the army. Vardan was drafted into the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia just one month before the war began. He participated in battles for Martuni, where he heroically fell on October 23 during an enemy aviation attack.

Biography of Virab Armen Babayan
Born on July 8, 1998. He studied at Yerevan School No. 154, then continued his education at the senior high school of Yerevan Polytechnic University, after which he was admitted with high grades to the Faculty of Electro-Technical Engineering of the Polytechnic University, graduating from there. After graduating from university, he was drafted into the Armenian army on July 18, 2019. After receiving artillery qualifications and the military rank of 'Junior Sergeant' at the Lusakert training center, he was transferred to the Martuni 2 defense area in Artsakh. Virab fought heroically with his friends from the first day of the war until October 23 and fell for the homeland. He was awarded numerous certificates and medals for outstanding service during his service. He received the military rank of 'Sergeant.' By a decree of the President of the Republic of Artsakh, Araik Harutyunyan, Virab was posthumously awarded the 'Combat Operation' medal for valor shown in the war.