January 27 to Be Established as a Memorial Day for Homeland Defenders: Rubinyan

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Ruben Rubinyan has introduced a draft law proposing to establish January 27 as a day of remembrance for those who fell in defense of the homeland. Rubinyan reminded that the law on the "Eternalization of the Memory of Those Who Died for the Defense of the Homeland," adopted in 2000, defines the categories of worthy individuals who have lost their lives during military operations or while fulfilling their duties.

The nationwide memorial day stipulated by the law has not yet been confirmed. According to Rubinyan, recent events—including the April and 44-Day wars, attacks on Armenia, and the September 2023 incidents where the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh faced ethnic cleansing due to Azerbaijani aggression—highlight the necessity of a unified day of remembrance.

The draft proposes to observe the memorial day on January 27, the day before Army Day, to ensure it is not linked to a specific military event but carries symbolic significance. "On January 27, we will honor the memory of those who fell for the defense of the homeland, and on January 28, we will celebrate Army Day as a symbol of ongoing life and unyielding will," stated Rubinyan.

He noted that January 27 is expected to be designated as a non-working day, allowing citizens, families of servicemen, officials, and educational institutions to visit memorial sites and organize educational events.