The President of Armenia, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Serzh Sargsyan, accompanied by the Catholicos of All Armenians His Holiness Garegin II and the Minister of Defense Vigen Sarkissian, today on the occasion of New Year and Holy Christmas holidays visited a border regiment located in the northwestern segment of the state border and defense positions.
The President met with the troops and commanders standing at the defense position, toured the battle stronghold and familiarized with the military service conditions and daily life of the servicemen.
The President of Armenia awarded with gifts a group of officers and soldiers, who have displayed dedication and courage in the course of duty.
Around a tea table Serzh Sargsyan conversed with the awarded servicemen after which together with His Holiness and the servicemen lit candles at the crossstone installed nearby. Later, at the regiment the President dined at a festive table with the soldiers. The President congratulated all those serving in the Armenian Army on the accosion of the approaching holidays, wished them all the best and expressed gratitude for their dedicated service.
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The President raised a glass to all soldiers, officers and parents, who are eagerly awaiting their return, members of the familes, loved ones, whom the servicemen miss daily and who inspire them to defend them.
“I want you to realize, realized deeply that the future prosperity of our country is also in your hands. After defending our Fatherland here, you will return and become excellent professionals. You should become the driving force which will ultimately propel us to the level of the countries we have speaking about not so long ago. I want you also to realize that your commanders are much more experienced. I want you to be sure that the commands of your commanders aimed at your safety, your life, and the security of the border segment you’ve been entrusted to defend, to keep it unpenetrable, are mandatory for execution. Commanders are the backbone of the army, and around that backbone are centered, attached to are all muscles and bones which become one body. That body of ours is in general healthy: we have excellent commanders and it is thanks to them that we can state that our Army is combat ready; our Army is capable to defend our borders.
Let’s drink to the health of our commanders, soldiers and their families; to the health of the people who gave you birth, raised you and sent to defend them and others. Standing here, you defend your parents, our citizens, our Fatherland.
The difference between us and the others is that we have always been able to revive, have been able to struggle, to become heroes, to immortalize through our deeds, and ultimately, have reached the 21st century as an independent state.
There had been many countries and states in our region, much larger and more populous than us, however they became history. We, thanks to our troops, officers, our devotees and the Church, are here today. Now, it’s our turn to preserve, cherish and pass on to the future generations our independent statehood. I am very happy and glad that we have soldiers and officers who carry out that mission with honor.
Let’s raise glasses to your parents, to your sisters and brothers, who are awaiting you anxiously. Be well and healthy. Safe service to you. Let year 2017 bring fewer losses and more happy and joyful moments,” said the President of Armenia in his congratulatory remarks.
The President visited also Azatamut community in Tavush marz, met with the residents of Aygehovit, Vazashen, Ditavan communities and leaders of the border communities in Ijevan and Berd regions, congratulated them on the approaching holidays, conversed about the existing problems and development programs, and issues which concern and interest the residents.