YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 21, ARMENPRESS. Mayor of Yerevan Hayk Marutyan considers the citizen as the base of the independent state.

“Independence is something like air, in other words, you breath normally, but do not feel what it is. 28 years ago we could not have imagined that we will be independent. That time our country already saw an earthquake, was in war, was facing many difficulties, but regardless of this all went and reaffirmed with their votes that independence is the most important thing for the state in the world”, Marutyan said in his remarks during the Hero Of Our Time award ceremony in Gyumri.

The Mayor said the most difficult started that time when people became citizens. He said each citizen has rights which need to be protected, but he/she also should not forget about having duties.

“Each citizen creates his/her state which can be strong only with its citizens. The Hero Of Our Time award that is being held here is about these citizens who understood their duties. Today we know these heroes by their names and surnames”, Mayor Marutyan said.

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

This year the main celebrations are taking place in Gyumri, the second largest city of Armenia.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan