Dear generals, officers, ensigns, servicemen, military students, civil servants of the defense system, compatriots, the day of the formation of the Armenian Army is the holiday on the occasion of which we should congratulate all Armenians. The army is the cornerstone on which our state, the homeland of Armenians all over the world is built.

The Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia went through a difficult process of formation, starting with the Artsakh Liberation War and continuing to the present day, but during these years we have repeatedly had heroic episodes and reasons for pride. The army is not only a system, but also individuals who form and strengthen it. Today, first of all, I want to congratulate those individuals. Thanks to their dedicated and sometimes self-sacrificing service we have a solid and strong structure that the entire nation trusts and relies on. The history shows that it is due to the quality and inner strength that we won victories over the centuries and this tradition will not be broken.

We never forget that the heroism of our fallen heroes is in the origins of the Armenian army. We continue the process of army construction, remaining true to their memory. Glory and honor to our fallen friends.

We also state that today we have an educated and strong commissioned staff, reasonable and obliging servicemen, caring and knowledgeable commanders. And it is this trinity that keeps our both air and land borders safe. We have repeatedly stated and now we repeat once more that the Armenian Armed Forces have no desire to provoke a war, but at any moment it is ready not only to stop any encroachment by the adversary, but also to make it think about the consequences of the irretrievable losses.

For some, the army is precious and dear like a son or brother, for others like a father. Each of us must give his/her care to the army receiving in return an assurance to live in a peaceful and developing country. I am confident that we all act with this awareness, from family to school, from negotiating table to combat post.

Today, we celebrate the 28th anniversary of the formation of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia and state that the Armenian army, born from the Artsakh Liberation War, is more powerful than ever and is improving every day.

Long live the Armenian army! Glory to all our heroes and servicemen serving right now. I have the honor.