On the occasion of the May 9 triple holiday, Armenian State Pedagogical University (ASPU) hosted Major General Arkady Ter-Tadevosyan (a.k.a. Commandos), a hero of the
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Artsakh War, a bearer of the Order of the Combat Cross.
During the meeting with the University leadership, professorial staff and students, the military figure recalled some episodes from the Shushi liberation operation he participated in, and spoke about the combat readiness and complete dedication of the freedom fighters.
“War is an inhuman phenomenon; we rejoiced at our victories which sometimes had serious consequences, imagined and often saw the death of our comrades-in-arms,” said Commandos. Arkady Ter-Tadevosyan confesses that every time he goes to church he lights up two candles – the first one for his companions-in-arms in peace and the second for Armenia and its people. With the burning candles he wishes that the souls of his fallen friends rest in peace and his compatriots live in peace and have good health.
With modesty peculiar to him, the Major General said that he was nicknamed Commandos thanks to his comrades-in-arms he was proud and happy to be acquainted with.
He remembers that in his childhood his grandmother scolded him in Turkish. Now he believes that the enemy frightens his children in Armenian and is already familiar with the uncompromising spirit and vengeance of the Armenians.
Speaking about the combat readiness of the Armenian army, the General said, “The enemy has always thought that we are not great in number. Despite our sparsity each of us applied his military confidence, knowledge and complete dedication to achieve victory. There is hardly any nation that has won a victory without the help of Armenians. It is in the genes of Armenians to gain victories. You are the children of this nation.”
The Artsakh war hero urged the students to visit Shushi, get acquainted with combat positions and the routine of servicemen. “Talking to them you will become convinced that today we have the same fighting spirit and confidence, but, like any other nation, we simply do not want hostilities,” he said.
Speaking about the current situation of the army, the Major General said that foreign experts consider the Armenian army one of the best armies in the world; simply some of the negative aspects of the armed forces are constantly stifling the continually improving positive features of the army.
ASPU Rector Rouben Mirzakhanyan thanked Commandos for visiting the University and conveying the spirit of liberation to the University students.
The Rector stressed that with his arrival Arkady Ter-Tadevosyan gave fresh impetus to the fight and crowned the Shushi operation with victory. “Artsakh war has already become history; you have been and will remain a true legend for the entire Armenian nation and progressive humanity, because our struggle was just and fair,” said Mr Mirzakhanyan.
Addressing the students, the Rector said that before expressing our gratitude we should remember ‘the price we paid for returning the territories that historically belonged to Armenia.’ “Never surrender even a single inch of our lands; the best sons of our nation sacrificed their lives for the liberation of these lands,” he said.
Rouben Mirzakhanyan awarded the Major General, who received numerous highest awards during the Soviet era, with a medal symbolizing the 90th anniversary of the University.
“The medal was once again valued as it will be worn by you,” said the ASPU Rector.
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