Every Armenian, big and small, man or woman, we are all soldiers: The post of fallen Rudik Garibyan goes viral

  One day after the end of the 44-day Artsakh War on November 10, Rudik, who had not yet been conscripted, made the following post on his Facebook page:  

“The war is not over... Every Armenian, big and small, man or woman, we are all soldiers. This war has a history of centuries, which must end with our victory. A victory that will be achieved not only through weapons, but also through knowledge and unity.

I appeal to students and learners. From now on, we must study to the best of our abilities, not just for a diploma or future employment. We must demand our teachers and professors educate us; we need a highly educated generation. The top positions in international competitions are waiting for our flag.

Remember, Armenia will always need skilled fire operators, good doctors, excellent builders and architects, and competent economists. And all of this will be crowned with success if we do not stop directing our potential towards education and learning. I believe in you, representatives of my Armenian nation. We will meet years from now, at the time of restoring our country. And if the whole world becomes a graveyard, the last flower will still be placed by an Armenian.”

Days before being conscripted, Rudik also posted a notification he received from the military commissariat, saying: “I am going, so I can return. With a smile, always with a smile...”

It is worth mentioning that around 15:15, Azerbaijani armed forces opened fire on Armenian military positions located in the Upper Shorja area of the Gegharkunik region, resulting in one soldier sustaining a gunshot wound of moderate severity. Around 17:30, Azerbaijani forces resumed firing on Armenian positions located in the eastern direction of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, also using artillery and drones. The Armenian side carried out adequate measures in response.

The Armenian Ministry of Defense reported that as a result of the provocations carried out by Azerbaijani units in the eastern section of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, soldiers of the Armenian Ministry of Defense N military unit were killed, namely Private Arthur Artyomovich Mkhitaryan (born 2002) and Junior Sergeant Rudik Rafik Garibyan (born 2002). The Armenian side also has two injured personnel, whose lives are not in danger.