Independence did not fall from heaven, Chairman of the National Self-Determination Union (AIM) said during the annual open-air press conference at Republic Square in Yerevan.
Paruyr Hayrikyan stressed that independence was built by people whom we should not neglect today. Oblivion does not bring honour to us, he said.
"Those people are Haykaz Khachatryan, Azat Arshakyan, Paruyr Hayrikyan, Ashot Navasardyan and Andranik Margaryan who were the first to raise the issue of self-determination in 1973," said Mr. Hayrikyan.
Today the AIM leader and his friends will visit the tombs of these devotees. This year, they will also pay tribute to Movses Gorgisyan, a national hero of Armenia.
"Today, they are granting medals and awards in connection with Independence Day. But we still have to work to built the Armenia we have longed for," said Mr. Hayrikyan.
Asked what prevents them from fulfilling their desire, the AIM leader said there are ungrateful people who hinder them.
