The National Assembly of Armenia has officially designated January 27 as the Day of Remembrance for Those Who Died Defending the Homeland. The bill, titled “Amendment to the Law on Holidays and Memorial Days of the Republic of Armenia,” passed in its second and final reading.

The legislation was authored by MPs Ruben Rubinyan and Gegham Nazaryan.

Rubinyan announced that the law will take effect immediately rather than ten days after its official publication, as is usually the case. January 27 will be a non-working day.

The bill was adopted with 69 votes in favor and 15 against.