On the occasion of the 25^th anniversary of the formation of the Armenian Army, the Ministry of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia hosted an event, gathering Diaspora Armenian and repatriate freedom fighters who participated in the first Artsakh war, young Diaspora Armenians having participated in the Four-Day Artsakh War and serving in the Armenian Army and their families. My interview for Hayern Aysor was with one of those families-Davit and Natalie Kazanchian.

Karine Avagyan: Mrs. Kazanchian, when did you and your family repatriate to Armenia?

Natalie Kazanchian: We repatriated from the Syrian city of Rakka two years ago. We have five sons, and all of them have Armenian names (Boghos, Sarkis, Kevork, Mesrob and Toros). Two of them are currently in Beirut, the other two are serving in the Armenian Army, and our younger son will be drafted on January 30^th.

Karine Avagyan: Isn’t it hard for you to have two sons serving in the army and in Karabakh at that and prepare to send another soldier to military service?

Natalie Kazanchian: It is very hard. It is inexplicable. I get shocked, feel uncertain and panic whenever I hear bad news. I congratulate everyone on Armenian Army Day and wish that it remains powerful, invincible and victorious. I wish that Armenians sleep and wake up in peace, everyone’s sons return home safe and sound and no parent loses a son.

Karine Avagyan: What ignited the fire of patriotism in your sons?

Natalie Kazanchian: They inherited it from their father, who was preparing to leave for Karabakh during the military operations that were launched in April 2016. Davit will give you a better answer.

Karine Avagyan: Davit, will you answer that question?

Davit Kazanchian: Of course! Patriotism runs in our blood. We inherited it from our forefathers and our worthy ancestors. The fire of patriotism must first and foremost burn in the soul of every Armenian. Each and every Armenian must fulfill his or her duty to the Homeland. Even if my sons didn’t want to serve, I would definitely guide them. Even today, I am ready to stand with my sons and defend the borders of Armenia and Artsakh. I don’t agree with the thought that others should serve, not them. There are no others. They are all our sons. Their lives are precious for us. I congratulate everyone on the occasion of Armenian Army Day, particularly the devoted soldiers and the young soldiers defending the borders day and night amid the cold weather. I wish that our army is always invincible. Our army is our citadel, our shield, the guarantee for the impregnability of our Homeland!

…Amazing Armenians, wonderful Armenians! Wherever you may be, the fire of patriotism still burns in your souls, and it can burst at any moment and become a large bonfire.

Karine Avagyan