The president also laid flowers to pay tribute to the memories of the Armenians who sacrificed their lives for the independence of the Homeland. He then attended the blessing ceremony of young yerkrapahs, held Yerablur’s St. Vardanants Martyrs church under the direction of the Catholicos of All Armenians. The blessing ceremony was followed by a solemn vow of the young yerkrapahs on the Tsitsernakaberd hill.

The event was attended by Armenian Defence Minister Vigen Sargsyan, Minister of Education Levon Mkrtchyan, Chairman of Yerkrapah Union Lt. Gen. Manvel Grigoryan, Yerevan Mayor Taron Margaryan and other high-ranking officials.

The president’s congratulatory message to the fresh members of the "Young Yerkrapah" union was read out at the beginning of the solemn ceremony.

"This ceremony that has become a tradition a symbolic baptism of a young yerkrapah. From now on, you are our future citizens who are dedicated to the protection of our Homeland. This ceremony is taking place on March 5, the symbolic day of the National hero Vazgen Sargsyan’s birthday. I believe you will devotedly continue Sparapet's patriotic work and the good traditions of the Yerkrapah Volunteers Union," the message read.

Congratulating those present on Vazgen Sargsyan’s birthday and the solemn swearing ceremony Defence Minister Vigen Sargsyan praised the work f the Yerkrapah Volunteers as keeping Sparapet's memory alive and bringing up a new generation with patriotic ideas.

"Vazgen Sargsyan contributed greatly not only to the self-defence of the Artsakh Armenians and military operations, but he also, through his work and dedication, became a role model for everyone. By the example of the life he lived, he clearly demonstrated the exemplary image of the Armenian volunteer, soldier and commander, as well as a military and statesman. And it's no accident that the new generation of young yerkrapahs will take a solemn oath at this sacred place and this cherished day," Sargsyan said.

The event was concluded with demonstrative performance and a solemn march of the Yerkrapah Volunteers.