Sunday, 9 May 2010
Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan attended a gala reception held on the 65th anniversary of Great Patriotic War Victory
Republic of Armenia Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan attended a reception held on the 65th anniversary of Great Patriotic War Victory which was held in the sports complex after Karen Demirchyan at the initiative of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Armenia. The ceremonious event was attended by representatives from Armenian legislative and executive agencies, as well as by foreign diplomats accredited in the Republic of Armenia, Great Patriotic War veterans and servicemen.
Addressing the event, Tigran Sargsyan stated in part: “First of all, let me express my deep respect to those Great Patriotic War veterans in attendance of this reception and congratulate you all on the 65th anniversary of the Day of Victory.
The annual celebrations of this significant event in CIS countries CIS have a nationwide character indeed, with our war veterans being the heroes of the day, and we owe them much. They are the key characters of those already far and heroic chapters of our common history who offered us a glorious victory.
With pride I would like to note that our small republic has made a significant contribution to the cause of victory over fascism. From June 1941 till May 1945, about 600 thousand Armenians were called up for army service. 300,000 people went to the front of which 200,000 perished in war. Note that Armenia had a population of less than 1.5 million at that time.
Our nation gave to the Soviet Army 3 marshals, one admiral, over 60 generals, 106 Heroes of Soviet Union, 27 full holders of the Order of Glory. 6 national divisions were formed in Armenia, 3 of which – the 89th, 408th and the 409th – took an active part in defensive and offensive operations in the Caucasian highland.
We are now paying homage to our perished and living battlefield heroes. Thanks God that we can still talk to the participants of those heroic events. The time is high to reward them not only in words, but also in real terms. I feel memory, attention and care should be at the heart of the strategy with regard to our esteemed veterans.
As part of preparations for the 65th anniversary of Victory, the government of the Republic of Armenia has been implementing numerous festive events, including meetings with veterans, musical festivals, exhibitions, evenings of memory, military - sports, scientific conferences, thematic publications. Special attention is given to the training and education of the new generation. In particular, lessons of memory are organized at all the schools of Armenia, with schoolchildren having written essays entitled “We are the descendants of a triumphant generation.”
The government is keeping a focus on the veterans’ welfare problems. A decision is out on priority settlement of former SU Savings Bank deposit arrears due to the participants of Great Patriotic War, which concerns all veterans living in Armenia.
Special funds have been be made available from the Government’s reserve fund to cover rest and rehabilitation treatment costs for 300 Great Patriotic War veterans. We are discussing the question of expanding the scope of privileges offered to them in terms of medical, transport service, municipal services.
The above is only a small part of what we owe them. The leadership of our country is making everything possible to transform Armenia into a strong, powerful and prosperous State in an effort to provide our heroes with all necessary care.
Once again, let me congratulate our dear war veterans and all of us on the 65th anniversary of Great Victory. Let the unfading glory of the winners live for many centuries ahead to set a vivid example of courage and resistance for future generations.
The Prime Minister’s statement was followed with gala concert.
