Armenia’s third president Serzh Sargsyan issued a congratulatory message on Independence Day, urging people not to allow various forms of manipulation to devalue past victories.
“Independence is first and foremost a way of thinking that, through struggle, becomes a way of life for a citizen devoted to the homeland. A free and sovereign state founded on national values is the guarantee of preserving our identity. If you think otherwise, independence is not yours.
Dear compatriots, let us not allow our past victories to be devalued through various manipulations or our national character and way of thinking to be distorted.
Let us raise citizens guided by a national system of values and aspirations, who will understand the true value of independence and their responsibility to defend it.
And may we always be worthy of the memory of those brave sons who sacrificed their lives for independent Armenia and Artsakh.
Glory to them, and we bow to their memory. May God protect Armenia and the Armenian people. Happy Independence Day,” the message said.
