Serzh Sargsyan: victories are not gifted
Armenia's President Serzh Sargsyan issued a congratulatory address on occasion of the First Republic Day.
The presidential message says in part,
"90 years ago the dream of our people came true. Thanks to selflessness of brave sons of the Armenian nation, exploits in heroic battles in Sardarapat, Bash-Aparan and Karakilisa, we restored our statehood.
Each Armenian remembers those heroes, who defeated the enemy in the fight for independence of our country.
Independence and victories are never gifted. During two years of existence, the First Republic of Armenia condensed inspiration, grief and losses, touching us three historical lessons. The first is the importance of national unity. Born 90 years ago, our state system was the result of national unity. Today, we should struggle to preserve the spirit of unity which helped us to survive in 1918. The second is irreplaceability of statehood. No other structure can replace a state system; no ideology can be higher than state interests. If our country weakens, we lose. The third is the confidence that we can overcome all difficulties our country faces.
Today, Armenia enters a period which is extremely important for all its citizens. We should strengthen our republic and ensure development of political, economic, scientific and cultural life. Our country has a brilliant future but not only leaders are responsible for it. Each son of our nation should make his contribution for the glory of Armenia. To be a citizen of the Republic of Armenia is an honor; to serve our nation is the supreme mission."
The presidential message says in part,
"90 years ago the dream of our people came true. Thanks to selflessness of brave sons of the Armenian nation, exploits in heroic battles in Sardarapat, Bash-Aparan and Karakilisa, we restored our statehood.
Each Armenian remembers those heroes, who defeated the enemy in the fight for independence of our country.
Independence and victories are never gifted. During two years of existence, the First Republic of Armenia condensed inspiration, grief and losses, touching us three historical lessons. The first is the importance of national unity. Born 90 years ago, our state system was the result of national unity. Today, we should struggle to preserve the spirit of unity which helped us to survive in 1918. The second is irreplaceability of statehood. No other structure can replace a state system; no ideology can be higher than state interests. If our country weakens, we lose. The third is the confidence that we can overcome all difficulties our country faces.
Today, Armenia enters a period which is extremely important for all its citizens. We should strengthen our republic and ensure development of political, economic, scientific and cultural life. Our country has a brilliant future but not only leaders are responsible for it. Each son of our nation should make his contribution for the glory of Armenia. To be a citizen of the Republic of Armenia is an honor; to serve our nation is the supreme mission."
