Dear people,
I congratulate us all on the Independence Day of the Republic of Armenia.
This is the day of immense pride for us, the undisputed pinnacle of our achievements.
The Armenian people have never resigned themselves to a lack of independence; even in seemingly the most hopeless situations, we kept the torch of freedom alive in our hearts, fought for it, and—when the opportunity arose—revived it. This is the ultimate proof that we are, in the true sense, a state-forming people.
That is precisely what happened 35 years ago, when we broke the shackles of subjugation and proclaimed our will to live in a free and independent Armenia.
Yet, we must admit to ourselves that, from the very first day, attempts were made—both from within and without—to instill in us the belief that our independence is merely declarative, circumstantial, temporary, or artificial.
Attempts were made to convince us that there exists a “national interest” more important than state independence, and that perhaps a secure state of dependency is preferable to the sacrifices required for independence.
Yet, even in the bleakest moments—when surrendering or relinquishing independence seemed the best course of action—we, as a wise people, found the strength for sufficient introspection to alter the course of history and ensure the enduring nature of the Republic of Armenia: the apple of our eye and our holy of holies.
We achieved this through great hardship, sacrifice, pain, and bloodshed—but we achieved it.
And now, with the long-awaited peace finally established, we can at last breathe freely, build our lives, and enjoy the peace we have secured.
Glory to the martyrs, and long live the Republic of Armenia.
