Pashinyan: our martyrs fell for Armenia to rise

PanARMENIAN.Net - In a message dedicated to the Day of Remembrance for Those Who Fell for the Homeland, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that "our martyrs fell so the Republic of Armenia could rise." He noted that citizens have already begun referring to January 27 as the “Day of the Heavenly Army.”

“This is a day of remembrance and reverence for those who died defending the homeland,” said Pashinyan. “Established on the eve of Army Day by the National Assembly, the public has embraced January 27 as the day of our celestial army.”

He emphasized the deep love and responsibility embedded in this popular naming, stressing that each fallen soldier becomes a member of every Armenian family, as they sacrificed their lives for each of us.

Pashinyan underlined that remembering and honoring those who died for the homeland is a duty, and that state recognition of this day is only the beginning. “Beyond remembrance, our responsibility grows to ensure their sacrifices were not in vain,” he said.

“In the wake of our national tragedies, the government and parliamentary majority have sought answers to a vital question: What should we do to ensure these sacrifices give life, not despair?”

He declared that the answer is clear and unequivocal: “Our martyrs fell so that the Republic of Armenia may rise.” According to Pashinyan, a strong, developed, secure, and prosperous Armenia is the most powerful memorial to the fallen and a source of life for their descendants.

He outlined the state's priorities: strengthening Armenia’s continuity, institutions, sovereignty, and security, as well as developing the “earthly army.” These steps, he said, are what will allow the country to look up at its “heavenly army” and receive a smile in return.

“Dear brothers and sisters, you did not fall in vain. Your sacrifice brought new awareness, opened our eyes, clarified our minds, and strengthened our will to build a state-centered path—one of prosperity, peace, security, and happiness for the Republic of Armenia and its citizens.”

“Through tears, we smile at you and bow to your families. We kneel before you. Long live the Republic of Armenia,” the message concluded.

On this occasion, Prime Minister Pashinyan, accompanied by President Vahagn Khachaturyan, National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan, and Armenia’s top leadership, visited the Yerablur Military Pantheon to honor the memory of those who gave their lives for the homeland.

The Prime Minister laid flowers at the graves of Vazgen Sargsyan and Andranik Ozanyan, and placed a wreath at the memorial dedicated to fallen freedom fighters.