Garegin Nzhdeh’s Statue to Be Erected in Bulgaria

I absolutely love that painting of Garegin Nzhdeh, with his uniform, medals, and pistol. He looks majestic in that painting; and in real life, that’s exactly what he was. As a military commander, as a statesman, as a philosopher, as a leader, and as an Armenian, he was majestic. If there was any one man in this world who truly represented the description of being one hundred percent devoted to the Armenian culture, people, and homeland, it was Garegin Nzhdeh. Nobody defended the Armenian Nation as fiercely as he did; as a matter of fact, he defended the beleaguered Armenian Nation even better than he defended himself. There would be no Armenia today if it wasn’t for Garegin Nzhdeh; it was he who saved Armenia from complete extinction.

For those of you interested in Garegin Nzhdeh’s life, make sure to read the following article:
http://www.asbarez.com/143441/karekin-njdeh-a-biographical-sketch/

“Karekin Njdeh is one of the most admired figures in Armenian history. His name epitomizes an unwavering commitment to the cause of justice for our people and an uncompromising struggle against our enemies. Njdeh’s heroic resistance against the combined Turkish, Azeri, and Bolshevik forces in Zangezur has earned him the love and the gratitude of the Armenian nation, and enabled the existence of the modern-day independent Armenia-something that would have been impossible without the backbone of the country, the region of Syunik.”

“His mental and physical strength were so great that he survived eleven years of Soviet prison conditions that could have killed a healthy person within a few months. Of course, his principled nature and his selfless devotion to his nation were well-known even before his prison sentence. Throughout his life, the Sparapet had virtually no possessions (besides the few gifts received from his soldiers), lived an ascetic lifestyle, and sacrificed his health and personal happiness for the sake of his people. Njdeh’s life was dedicated to his country and he became a martyr for his people.”

“During the course of his entire prison term, Njdeh was promised amnesty if he agreed to write a letter to the government requesting a pardon. The General continuously declined to do so, stating that he had done nothing wrong and that all of his efforts were directed at helping his people.”

“While in Yerevan (1952-1953), Njdeh was taken on a car ride of the city, during which he asked to take some soil with him, so it could remind him of his Homeland in the far-away Russian prison. Upon his return to Vladimir, the great Armenian hero succumbed to illness and died in his cell on December 21, 1955.”

“Karekin Njdeh’s legacy is rich and diverse. He was the savior of Syunik, and a hero who defeated the armies of the world’s most powerful empires. He was an extraordinary orator, and a writer who enriched the Armenian language through both passionate and beautiful speeches and the invention of dozens of new words. He was a courageous soldier, and a visionary leader, who epitomized patriotism and became a martyr for his people. He was a thinker and a philosopher, who left behind an ideology that can save a nation. Karekin Njdeh’s ideas remain as relevant today as they were during his life and they continue to inspire generations of Armenians, aiming to forge a better future for our people.”