Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his spouse Anna Hakobyan attended a high state awards giving ceremony in Stepanakert. The event was also attended by Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan with his spouse, Primate of the Artsakh Diocese, Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan, representatives from Armenia’s and Artsakh’s governments, parliaments, other high-ranking dignitaries.

AR President Arayik Harutyunyan handed posthumous awards – Artsakh Hero’s Golden Eagle Medals – to Nagorno Karabakh Republic Supreme Council First President Arthur Mkrtchyan’s widow and Artsakh Defense Army NN Military Unit 4th Rifle Battalion’s Captain Armenak Urfanyan’s mother.

On the 29th anniversary of the proclamation of the Artsakh Republic, reserve officer Vahram Tamrazyan was awarded the First Degree Combat Cross Order for valuable contribution to the modernization of communication systems during the Artsakh Liberation War, as well as for services rendered in the field of military industry.

On the 29th anniversary of the proclamation of the Artsakh Republic, Hovsep Hovsepyan was awarded the First Degree Combat Cross Order for exceptional courage and bravery in the battles waged for the defense of the Motherland.

Addressing the event, Prime Minister Pashinyan stated:
“Honorable President of the Artsakh Republic,
Dear Mrs. Harutyunyan,
Your Grace,
Dear Mkrtchyan family members,
Dear Urfanyan family members,
Dear Mr. Tamrazyan,
Dear Mr. Hovsepyan,
Distinguished Representatives of the Governments of Armenia and Artsakh

This is a very exciting and important event. I think today’s most important symbol is that we remember our history. Of course, we eye the future every day and every hour, nevertheless we must have an accurate idea of the past in order to build a bright and safe future.

It is symbolic that today the title of Hero of Artsakh is being awarded to a representative of the first generation of our liberation war and to a modern generation representative. They are awarded on the same day, in the same place, and at the same time. This is emblematic indeed.

I think that today’s ceremony goes in tune with yesterday’s event held in Sardarapat. Moreover, we say Sardarapat is a historic venue, but Stepanakert is no less symbolic for the Armenian people. There is also an important meaning here: Sardarapat ushered in the birth of our First Republic, while the liberation of Artsakh heralded the inception of the Third Republic of Armenia and the formation of a free and independent Artsakh.

Ideas and perceptions are very important. We recently adopted a national security strategy, and we made a point of enshrining our ethnic roots and values in the new strategy.

I consider yesterday’s and today’s events symbolic in that we must hold fast to our traditional values; we must appreciate the system of values build up during our modern history, and I think that Ruben Sanamyan, who was awarded the title of National Hero of Armenia yesterday, our other awardees testify to the fact that the cause pursued by our first-generation freedom fighters, the heroes of Sardarapat is still alive. Those awarded yesterday went on duty today. Yesterday Captain Sanamyan was awarded the title of Armenia’s National Hero, and today he is on duty to defend the Motherland. This is a new symbol, a new path, a new perception, which glorifies our heroes of the past.

I am convinced that our heroic youth, our soldiers, officers, generals, who go on duty and commit acts of heroism, keep in mind the heroes of the past. This is a holistic work, and we have to do this work together. Our martyrs are with us, because their presence is being emphasized today.”