YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 21, ARMENPRESS. The top officials of Armenia and Artsakh today visited the Yerablur military pantheon on the occasion of the 28th anniversary of Armenia’s Independence.

Armenia’s President Armen Sarkissian, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II, Speaker of Parliament Ararat Mirzoyan and President of Artsakh Bako Sahakyan visited the pantheon.

The officials laid flowers at the graves of Sparapet (Commander) Vazgen Sargsyan, Andranik Ozanyan and a wreath at the memorial dedicated to the fallen soldiers.

The Catholicos delivered a prayer.

Today, the Third Republic of Armenia is celebrating its 28th anniversary of Independence.

28 years ago the Armenian people said its decisive “yes” through a referendum to declare independence. 99,5% of voters voted in favor of Armenia being a democratic independent state outside the USSR. Two days later, on September 23rd, the Supreme Council declared Armenia an independent, sovereign republic.

The declaration of the newly independent Armenia gave the start of the Third Republic of Armenia’s history. For 28 years already, the bearers of the Armenian statehood are the people of Armenia.

The first Constitution of the Third Republic was adopted on July 5, 1995 through a referendum.

The active Constitution was adopted in November, 2015, again through a referendum.

September 21st is a day of national pride. The centuries-old dream of the Armenian people of having an independent country is reality for already 28 years.

Numerous celebrations and festive events are expected to take place today in the country.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan