September 21 is our greatest day of pride and the indisputable pinnacle of our achievements, National Assembly President Ruben Rubinyan said in his congratulatory message marking the 35th anniversary of the Republic of Armenia’s independence.
He noted that the Armenian people have never reconciled themselves to living without independence. Even in seemingly hopeless situations, they kept the flame of freedom alive in their hearts, fought for it and, when the opportunity arose, revived it.
“This is the best testament to the fact that we truly are a state-building people. This was also the case 35 years ago, when we broke the shackles of subjugation and declared our will to live in a free and independent Armenia.
“But we must admit to ourselves that from the very first day, attempts were made, both from within and from outside, to instill in us the idea that our independence was merely declarative, circumstantial, temporary or artificial.
“Attempts were made to convince us that there is a ‘national interest’ more important than state independence and that perhaps secure dependence is preferable to the sacrifices required for independence.
“But even in the darkest moments, when it seemed that the best path was to surrender or relinquish independence, we, as a wise people, found sufficient strength for self-reflection to change the course of history and ensure the perpetuity of the independence of the Republic of Armenia, the light of our eyes and our holy of holies.
“We did this with great difficulty, through sacrifice, pain and blood, but we did it.
“And now, when the long-awaited peace has finally been established, we can finally breathe freely, build and enjoy our peaceful life.
“Glory to the fallen, and long live the Republic of Armenia,” the message reads.
