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By the decision of President Armen Sarkissian a group of representatives of the Armenian Armed Forces and Police were awarded the highest honors of the Republic of Armenia and military ranks for the valor and dedication as well as for the strengthening of the law enforcement structure and contribution to the protection of public order on the 27th anniversary of the country’s independence celebrated today. 

Two privates of the army, Arthur Kostoyan and Hovhannes Ivilikian were awarded the Military Service Medal, the presidential press service said.

At the award ceremony hosted by the Presidential Palace, President Sarkissian handed the high state awards. Addressing the audience, the president said:

“At the outset, I would like to congratulate us all on the all-national, all-state and special holiday – the anniversary of Armenia’s Independence.

First of all, I would like to congratulate and express gratitude to the families of those who gave their lives for Fatherland and the heroes awarded today – Arthur Kostoyan and Hovahnnes Ivilikian and in their person to the families of all our heroes who fell for our freedom and independence.

I bow to their memory. Dear Ashot, please convey my words of gratitude and appreciation and our wishes for good health to Mrs. Anna.

Dear Friends,

Congratulating you on honestly deserved orders and medals, I would like to note that these are not just state awards of the Republic of Armenia.

These are awards of freedom and independence which were over a quarter of the century ago were achieved through our joint efforts.

The time has come and the prospects of the country’s development command to review history, to put forward new ideas, to create new values.

At the same time, we need to remain faithful to the values and the system of values which our friends have sacrificed years of their hard work and, regrettably, often gave their lives for.

Dear Compatriots,

Each year of our independence has been special. We can and we have to make also this year and all coming years special with momentous achievements, making special our country because our people here in Armenia, in Artsakh, and in Spyurk are special, each citizen of Armenia is special, every Armenian is special.

I believe and I hope that we will meet here again and I will be pleased and honored to hand awards also to other citizens of Armenia – intellectuals, entrepreneurs, workers, representatives of rural and municipal communities, civil society, and journalists, because to defend Fatherland is our common duty and each and every one of us is doing his or her best in that honorable and important mission.

I once again congratulate us all on the occasion of Independence Day and wish peace, optimism and progress.”