May 9th of the 20th century witnessed the two greatest victories of the Armenian people. At the beginning of the century in Sardarapat our drained nation was able to resist the enemy by gathering its last strength in the face of final annihilation and extinction.

 

Sixty five years later during the Great War not only did Armenians show great selflessness and massive heroism, but were able to help the weak and persecuted stateless people who underestimate themselves and whose indifference was hidden by their own egos and family walls. Of the two and a half million Soviet Armenians more than 650 000 brave soldiers went to the battlefront. No army conquering Armenia throughout its history was of such great number. It should be noted that per thousand head of Armenians they were the leaders among other Soviet nations as to the number of military officers and soldiers who received the title of Hero.

 

These are the qualities that instead of promoting vanity should instill feelings of deep responsibility, which accounts for another victory won 18 years later in the heroic battle for Artsakh. The liberation of Shushi was another example of the enlightenment of the Armenian spirit. On that day our great ancestors won the battle along with the heroes of today. In the 20th century May 9th twice became the triumphant hour for Armenians.

 

Let us wish that in the 21st century not only should we overcome non-solidarity and mutual intolerance present in us today, but also strengthen and eternalize our victories and pave the way towards new successes.