From year to year in Armenia more emphasis on military-patriotic education is made. Various functions are being organized during which the young generation get acquainted with the history of their state, heroic past, culture, with spirit and advice of persons who devoted their lives and activities to the Homeland.

America spends a lot of money to each of its soldiers, we can’t compare. However the soldier’s strength is not in his beautiful boots, shining uniform or tasty food, but here! – and he points on his heart and head. – Here is the strength of our soldier!

On June 21st in Sardarapat Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan took part in a festival «Blacksmith Day» which was organized by ethno-historical NGO «Chilingaryan-Mamikonyan family». Besides Armenian blacksmiths’ works weapons of local production were also presented on the festival. The Minister noted with pleasure that local production sometimes has even an advantage over foreign production and mentioned that a concept is being developed for further development of the industry.

What might be forgiven for the actor of my age, is not excusable for a soldier of homeland. According to me the soldier should be the symbol of strength, health, pure lifestyle. I’m very happy that the Defense Ministry has started a marathon against smoking under the slogan “Army without smoking”. As we say – in a healthy body – healthy mind.

By order of the Chief of RA Armed Forces General Staff, on 6-7 June methodical collection of paramilitary and patrol units chiefs of the Defense Ministry’s departmental security was conducted. The aim of the function was – to increase the preparation level of protection units through theoretical and practical training.

On May 8th the Day of Yerkrapah (country defender) was celebrated. Festivities were held not only in Yerevan, Stepanakert, in the regions of Armenia and Artsakh, but also in Diaspora. This year for the first time in the Holy See of Echmiadzin and other dioceses of the Armenian apostolic church a liturgy was served for the souls of the victims of the liberation war. On the occasion of the festival on the decree of the RA President 20 liberation warriors were awarded the highest state awards, and on the order of the Defense Minister 20 were awarded departmental medals, and almost 5000 people were awarded awards, medals and valuable presents from Yerkrapah Volunteers Union.

Today 1450 veterans of the Great Patriotic War live in Armenia, the youngest of them is 88 years old. Three of them will take part in the Victory Parade in Moscow on the 9th of May and 10 of them – in Novorossiysk. For the last 2 years the number of GPW veterans, living in Armenia, halved.