YEREVAN. – On the 24th anniversary of independence of the Republic of Armenia, President Serzh Sargsyan signed decrees on awarding high state decorations to several workers of science, education, sports, arts and culture as well as to representatives from the domains of healthcare, economy, army and law enforcement.

In addition, honorary and highest titles and ranks have been conferred upon.

Sargsyan handed these decorations to the respective individuals during the awards ceremony, which took place Monday at the Office of the President.

The Armenian president also congratulated all the awardees on this National Day and for being awarded these high state decorations, and wished them success.

President Serzh Sargsyan also delivered remarks at the Independence Day Awards Ceremony.

“Dear friends:

“I cordially welcome you to the Presidential Palace of the Republic of Armenia. It is with pleasure that I congratulate all of you on the occasion of the 24th anniversary of Armenia’s independence and on receiving high state titles and decorations.

“State award ceremonies usually take place on important holidays. Independence Day is innermost and bright, just like the generation of independence to which you will pass on the heights achieved in your domains.

“All of us should be fully aware of the fact that it is necessary to recognize, honor and encourage the people who deserve it. We should put the principle of justice at the core of our state so that we are able to separate the good and the nice from the bad and the evil.

“We have here with us many honorable sons of our state and society. These decorations are merely a symbolic means to express our people’s gratitude for your honest, fruitful work and service. I have no doubt that the time will come for all devotees, and the next honorable ones will receive their decorations.

“Dear friends:

“We are grateful to all those representatives of different domains who push forward our society and state with their diligence, persistence, inexhaustible creative vigor, and with their faith in the future.

“Today’s warmth should give new impulses to all of us so that we get down to work with new energy. We are obliged to not only bear those impulses, but also to pass them on to our families, relatives and friends, in order for our entire society to be inspired with them.

“I congratulate you once again on receiving high state decorations and titles. I wish good health, happiness, further success, and achievements to you and your families.

“Thank you,” the Armenian President stated in his remarks at the event.