“Considering the geopolitical situation we must have a modern and efficient army. The Armenian President and Government are doing their best for this,” RA Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan stated at an awards ceremony on September 21.

RA President Serzh Sargsyan issued a decree awarding medals to 100 servicemen and freedom-fighters. The medals were awarded by the order of RA Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan. Departmental medals were also awarded to 650 people, with some of them awarded posthumously.

Minister Ohanyan congratulated the awardees and said: “Our people gained its independence through many trials. We must look for the strength for victory inside ourselves. Victories are given the peoples fighting for their independence. Under the First Republic we lost our independence only because we pinned our hopes on others. Nineteen years ago we declared Armenia’s independence because we did not seek outside support, but relied on our own strength. Our people realized then it was to be ready for great sacrifices when at the September 21 referendum they said ‘yes’ to Armenia’s independence. Thousands of patriots took up arms to defend Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, and many of them sacrificed their lives for independence and historical justice. Glory to the heroes who died for the country’s independence! The past 19 years have proved years of formation and development of our army. The greatest honor is to serve the Homeland and the army. Serving the Homeland is an honor for each of us. The Armenian army is well aware of its duty – defending the borders of independent Armenia. The soldier on the border received the first enemy strike. Taking care of your inferiors is as important as courage in the army.”