At the beginning of the ceremony ARM Spiritual leader Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan made a speech. Congratulating the graduates, ARM Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan noted that the officers of the Military Institute have proved their devotedness to their fatherland: “You all stimulate the strengthening of the army, being recruited to the ARM armed forces with steady steps,” said the minister adding that the military-educational institutions of the army already able to fully serve to their purpose. While speaking about the role and significance of the officer in the society, Seyran Ohanyan particularly said: “Being an officer is a worldview, whereas being a serviceman is a lifestyle. You must realize that the profession of an officer is heroic and full of responsibility. Be sure that those devotees of the homeland, who will be distinguished with impeccable service, will steadily join the brilliant constellation of the Armenian outstanding commanders”. While speaking about the social issues of the officers the Minister assured that the officers and their families are and will continue staying in the center of the ministry’s attention. The head of the Military Institute Major-General Martin Karapetyan said in his speech: “It’s been seventeen years since the founding of the Institute and it has greatly contributed to the development of the Armed Forces. During this time 3500 officers have joined the national army, continuing the eternal march of the ARM armed forces.