President Armen Sarkissian has signed a decree to award the title of National Hero of Armenia to Captain Ruben Sanamyan.

The highest title in Armenia is awarded "for outstanding services of national importance to the Republic of Armenia in defense and strengthening of the state system and creation of important national values."

Along with the title, its recipients receive the Order of Fatherland. The first recipient of the title was Catholicos Vazgen I, the head of the Armenian church.

A total of 18 individuals have now been awarded the title since Armenia's independence in 1991.

With the same presidential decree signed on August 18, 199 servicemen were bestowed state awards.