Where is each of us? - Serzh Sargsyan

The third President of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan, has sent a message on the occasion of the Republic Day.

In his message, he states: "The heroes of Sardarapat performed incredible feats in the struggle for existence against Turkish marauders, despite the cowards who called for submission to the Turkish conquerors, laying down their arms and establishing peace at any cost by accepting the degrading conditions of the Turks. Such weaklings also existed within the ranks of that era's government and high-ranking military officials.

The heroes of Sardarapat chose to fight, however fragmented their Homeland may have been, for a dignified, free, and independent life. They proved that the spirit of freedom knows no defeat.

Everlasting glory to all those brave souls who forged May 28 — to the valiant Armenian soldiers, commanders, and military figures, as well as to the spiritual leaders and many benefactors who preferred living with dignity over servitude.

Many of the heroes of Sardarapat did not fall on the battlefield fighting the enemy; rather, they were betrayed in their own homeland, falsely accused, exiled, and executed by their countrymen — those whom they had saved from the Turkish massacre. This is one of the bitter lessons and shameful pages of our history.

The heroic battles of May 1918 are about the national high consciousness, historical responsibility, dignity, and glorious victories of the devoted sons of the Armenian people. The biographies of many heroes are stories of selfless bravery, honor, but also tragic ends.

The Battle of Sardarapat was a watershed between selfless heroes and cowardly traitors. Such choices face all nations throughout all times. Today is also a time for a decisive choice. Where is each of us?"