In his opening remarks, ARM Deputy Defence Minister Ara Nazaryan noted that this day, the Armenian nation celebrates the most celebrated holiday of the Armenian people in modern history, the anniversary of Declaration of Independence. "Throughout the short path of forming statehood, we have had many victories and achievements but also obstacles and challenges, which however did not hinder the progress of our society," said Armen Nazaryan. In his congratulatory remarks, Chief of General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces Colonel-General Yuri Khachaturov noted that the biggest achievement of the independence has been the formation of the national army. "It survived the war with a brilliant victory by liberating a part of the Historical Armenia, and it has been more that two decades, the army successfully carries out the mission of national security and border protection of two newly independent states. During the ceremonial session, a number of freedom fighters and servicemen were given ARM state and departmental awards by Chief of General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces Colonel-General Yuri Khachaturov for the bravery and military service rendered to motherland.