A celebration dedicated to Republic Day was held at “Veratsnund” Memorial Complex in Aparan of Aragatsotn province. Among the attendees were governor of Aragatsotn province Sargis Sahakyan, several high-ranking officials, clergymen, guests from the communities of Aragatsotn province and other provinces, as well as guests from Yerevan.

The crowd moved from the square in Aparan toward the “Veratsnund” Memorial Complex. First, they visited the tombs of the residents of Aparan who had died in the Artsakh liberation war, after which they headed towards the tomb of Commander Drastamat Kanayan (Dro) and laid wreaths.

The solemn ceremony was held at the peak of the memorial complex.

Mayor of Aparan Gor Abrahamyan’s speech was followed by a blessing by Prelate of the Diocese of Aragatsotn, Father Mkrtich Proshyan.

Governor of Aragatsotn province Sargis Sahakyan gave his congratulatory remarks and said: “Armenia was declared the Republic of Armenia on May 28, 1918. It is an important event in the history of the Armenia people that was preceded by the heroic battles of Sardarapat, Bash-Aparan and Gharakilisa. After many centuries, the dream of our fathers and forefathers to restore our independence turned into a reality,” said Sahakyan and called on everyone to unite since the people have always won through unity and solidarity.

Other speakers also gave their evaluations of the historical importance of the military operations in May 1918 and the battle of Bash-Aparan.

The celebration continued with a military parade, performances by the country’s well-known singers and musical ensembles, and the gathered were treated by the locals during a reception.

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