May 28 stands as a powerful milestone in Armenia’s national story. On this day in 1918, the Armenian people, exhausted by genocide and war, declared the independence of the First Republic of Armenia — reclaiming their right to sovereignty and self-determination.
Republic Day is not just a holiday. It is a symbol of resistance, rebirth, and the unwavering will of our ancestors to live free on their land. In 2025, we commemorate 107 years since that historic declaration.
The Republic Day celebration coincides with the anniversary of the Battle of Sardarapat, a turning point that halted the Ottoman army’s advance and prevented the complete annihilation of the Armenian nation. This victory was not only military — it was existential.
Each year, Armenian leadership and citizens gather at the Sardarapat Memorial, laying wreaths and honoring the memory of those who gave everything for Armenia’s future. It is more than a ceremony — it is a generational link, a reminder of the price of freedom.
Today, Armenia again faces uncertainty — geopolitically, economically, and socially. May 28 is not just a date to honor. It is a roadmap, urging us to strengthen our republic, protect our democracy, and deepen our unity.
As a journalist and citizen, I believe we must treat sovereignty not as a given, but as a duty — to defend and build it every day.
Glory to the Republic of Armenia. Glory to the spirit of Sardarapat.
By Lida Nalbandyan, Founder and CEO of Octopus Media Group