YEREVAN—As Armenia marked the 22nd anniversary of Armed Forces Day on Jan. 28, President Serge Sarkisian honored Karabakh soldiers, among them junior sergeant Armen Hovhannesyan, who was killed defending Artsakh’s borders.
During a ceremony, Sarkisian awarded Hovhannesyan posthumously the “Medal for Service to the Homeland.” Sarkisian also awarded Hovhannesyan’s commander, Lieutenant Sargis Tananian and five other Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Defense Army servicemen with medals.
“Your mission is unique, that is why it’s called a service rather than work. Our entire nation treats your work with reverence and has a sense of gratitude toward each soldier of our Army and homeland,” said Sarkisian in his remarks at the ceremony.
“You are the shield under which our whole nation lives and creates. I was lucky enough to hand you the awards of the Republic of Armenia, but they are an appreciation given by our country and the entire Armenian people,” added Sarkisian.
Earlier in the day, Sarkisian led a delegation of government officials, among them Nagorno-Karabakh Republic President Bako Sahakian to Yerablur National Cemetery to pay tribute to soldiers who gave their lives in the defense of the homeland.
Sahakian issued a statement congratulating Armenia on Armed Forces Day saying: “It is an undeniable fact that today the Armenian army is the most efficient and organized army in the region, which is among the greatest achievements of our nation.”
“Following the example of their heroic fathers and grandfathers, the brave soldiers of our glorious army perform the tasks set before them with flying colors, providing security for the homeland and the nation, safeguarding the state borders. This is a vivid manifestation of patriotism and devotion,” added Sahakian.
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{‘…among them junior sergeant Armen Hovhannesyan, who died last defending Artsakh’s borders.”}
Well, actually he was killed in action: ‘died’ implies passive death, as if from a heart attack or something.
And it was some action: Armen’s squad of 9 men threw back an attacking force of Turkbeijani special forces estimated at about 30 men.
Armen, a young conscript, was the first to detect the invaders, raised the alarm and engaged the enemy while his buddies were taking their positions.
At least 4 invaders were killed in this Mardakert section (3 nomads were killed in the other invasion location at Hadrut: no Armenian losses there).
Armen’s selfless act saved several lives in his squad.
In any case, there is a man who can be truly called a GREAT Armenian.
Garen Galstyan, 19, killed by a Turkbeijani sniper, on Jan 28, 2014, while guarding NKR borders from nomadic Turkbeijani invaders.
There is another man who can be truly called a GREAT Armenian.
And we will now wait for Ara Manoogian & Co to organize a ‘massive’ protest in front of the Azerbaijani consulate in Los Angeles.
Any day now.
And we will now wait for female Armenian posters to start praising these truly GREAT Armenian men with the same enthusiasm that they praised the other ‘great’ Armenian man currently feasting on lasagna and red wine with an unusual collection of posh English students.
Armenians have no reason to protest before the Azeri consulate, gyavuroghlu. The Azeri government is doing what the Azeri people want, i.e. defeding the Azeri territory (unofficially known as “nkr”). Armenians need to protest against Serzh, who, as a typical dictator, does everytvhing against the wishes of his people. Serzhoghlu was getting a facial in Korea while his sildiers are being dropped like flies. As long as Armenia has an undemocratic government, more Armenian soldiers will return to Armeinia in bodybags.
Armen the soldier had no choice but to be at the border. His parents most likely tried unsuccessfully to get him out of the Armo “army” (rightfully so). Thats not a hero. Now the Armenian who died in Ukraine protesting against Putin the thug is a truly great Armenian. He chose to be there.