YEREVAN. - For an entire year the family members didn’t see Senior Lieutenant Shavarsh Melikyan, who died on December 29 as a result of a diversionary infiltration attempt by the Azerbaijani side on the state border southeast to Chinari village.

His father, Melikset Melikyan, told Armenian News – NEWS.am that he was always proud of his son, who chose the path of being a soldier and dedicated seven years of his life to his homeland.

“I am proud, since he sacrificed his life, defending his homeland. But it is very painful for me to recognize his loss. I didn’t see my son for an entire year: I talked to him only by phone,” he said.

Melikset Melikyan learnt about the brave deeds of Shavarsh from the latter’s fellow servicemen. Only the thought that his 26-year-old son died saving his friends consoles him a little.

President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan on Saturday posthumously awarded Shavarsh Melikyan with the Medal for Courage. Edgar Narayan and Erik Abovyan, who died on the same day, were awarded with medals for military service.