YEREVAN. – On May 28, 1918, the Armenian nation got an opportunity to resume Armenia's independence, President Serzh Sargsyan said.

The President said revolutionary upheavals in Russia, the events of World War II and other circumstances created a situation where the Armenians were left alone in the face of numerous challenges.

“The Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire continued, Russian- Turkish frontline turned into the Armenian-Turkish frontline. And at that particular moment there came a miracle that is also called a heroic deed.

This deed was committed by Armenian soldiers  politicians, peasants, clergy, intellectuals, a whole generation of Armenians. It was to turn an unexpected, unplanned, unprepared and a tragic day of May 28 into a national awakening day. It was designed to turn the valley of war and genocide, hunger and epidemics, refugees and despair into a free, independent, prosperous and democratic Armenia,” President said.

Serzh Sargsyan visited Sardarapat Memorial on the 96th anniversary of the declaration of the First Republic of Armenia, and laid a wreath to the Victory Memorial