Army Day in Armenia
Army Day is a holiday in Armenia that’s observed every 28th of January. It’s a day that honors the Armed Forces of Armenia and is not only a holiday in Armenia but also in the Republic of Artsakh. This day is placed on the date on which the Armed Forces of Armenia were officially established in 1992, and it was first celebrated in 2001.
Armenia (National holiday)Since this is a public holiday, most people are off work on this day, and schools, government offices, and most businesses are closed. One of the main celebrations for this holiday is the annual military parade in Yerevan, but there are other ways that this holiday is celebrated in Armenia as well.
The History of Army Day in Armenia
Even though Armenians had an army under the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic, troops of that government were celebrated under the Defender of the Fatherland holiday that took place on February 23rd of each year and was celebrated by the entire Soviet Union. In 1991, when Armenia gained independence from the Soviet Union, the Armed Forces of Armenia were established several months later on January 28, 1992.
However, Army Day wouldn’t immediately be celebrated as a holiday in this country. It wouldn’t be until Armenian President Robert Kocharyan signed Army Day into law that it became an official public holiday for the public. It’s been celebrated faithfully ever since.
Observing Army Day in Armenia
As we previously mentioned, one of the main events of this holiday is the annual military parade located in Yerevan. Of course, there are other celebrations worth mentioning as well. Another tradition performed on this day is laying flowers on the graves of notable military leaders.
People can also witness the Armenian flag being raised and celebrations attended by notable politicians and military officials. The hashtag #ArmyDayArmenia can be used on social media to spread the word about this holiday throughout the world.
Armenia (National holiday)
