“2011 is a jubilee year for Armenian people. This year we are going to celebrate the 20th anniversary since declaration of the 3rd Republic of Armenia, which is the most important event in Armenian modern history. It is extremely symbolic that the 19th anniversary of the formation of the Armenian Army is the first nationwide event taking place this year,” Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan said at the event dedicated to the Army Day.

“It is a historical truth that nations are not given freedom. Instead they gain it by all-national struggle and at the expense of heroes’ blood. The 3rd Armenian state was born in a historically and politically difficult situation and in a condition of outright war with the neighboring state for Artsakh’s liberation. The volunteer units were composed of patriotic and selfless freedom fighters in a vanguard of this truly national struggle. Many of these people sacrificed their lives for the sake of new state’s rebirth. The Armenian Army is a product of national love, devotion and sacrifice. And in response to that love, the Armenian military continues to fulfill its mission successfully, namely defending the Armenian borders, its peace and security.

Previous years of the Army building process have progressed in conditions of regional tension and permanent threat of war, triggered by the neighboring state,” he said in his speech.