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The 35th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Armenia was celebrated in Gyumri a day early, on September 20, with musical, cultural, and festive events.
According to a correspondent from «Armenpress», the festive events dedicated to the 35th anniversary of Independence began with the exhibition of pavilions representing the communities of Shirak province in the Theater Square of Gyumri.
Each community showcased its unique color in its pavilion, featuring handmade crafts, traditional dishes, local products, and souvenirs. Shirak Governor Davit Arushanyan toured all the pavilions with community leaders, officials from the governor's office, and other dignitaries, conversing with community representatives and familiarizing himself with the presented works. During the festive event, performances were given by the «Gyumri State Folk Instruments Orchestra», the «Ani» brass band, and the «Hrayerk» dance group.
Davit Arushanyan noted in a conversation with journalists that independence is not only a value passed down through history for the Republic of Armenia but also the result of daily work and efforts. «Perhaps 35 years is a short time for the republic, but independence is not just a value passed down through history; it is also the result of our efforts. One of the main achievements of our 35 years is sovereignty, which is an unnegotiable value for us. Another important achievement is peace, which is vital.”
«Peace is a necessary condition for the development, stability, and future of the state,” said Davit Arushanyan. Later, the festive event continued on a large stage with the participation of the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by artistic director and chief conductor Edward Topchyan.
The Armenian National Academic Choir named after Hovhannes Chekidjian was also on stage. Popular singers Masha Mnjoyan, Navasard Hakobyan, Liparit Avetisyan, Gohar Sujyan, and Srpouk performed as well. «Today, more than ever, we understand one thing more clearly: the state is the home of each of us.
The stronger that home is, the stronger its foundations are, the more confidently we can look to the future. The strength of the state is measured not only by numbers and indicators. It is also measured by the conditions in which our children live, what school they attend, what kindergarten they go to, how they reach their home, what opportunities they have in their community, and how confident they are about their tomorrow.”
«That is why today I want to speak particularly about Shirak,” the governor of Shirak emphasized during his speech, noting that currently, construction worth about 63.5 billion drams is underway in Shirak province. Large-scale school construction is taking place in the province, with schools and kindergartens being built and renovated, as well as healthcare facilities and the Arthur Aleksanyan Sports Complex. New infrastructure is being created in communities, and living conditions in settlements are being improved.
According to him, 39 subsidy programs are being implemented, worth 15.7 billion drams, and more than 60 km of roads are being reconstructed and repaired within a total of 14.3 billion drams.
Congratulating everyone on the occasion of Independence Day, Davit Arushanyan noted that Shirak has always been a region of hardworking, creative people who overcome difficulties. «Gyumri and the other communities of Shirak have repeatedly proven that even in the most difficult conditions, they can rise, like a phoenix from the ashes, move forward, and create new opportunities. Today, our task is to transform that spirit into new opportunities for development.
We need a strong state with strong communities, a developing economy, quality education, modern infrastructure, and a peaceful environment. We must be able to pass on not only our history to our children but also a better country, a better Shirak, a better Gyumri.» The festive events dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Armenia concluded in Gyumri with a festive fireworks display.
* This text was automatically translated by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
