Monument Dedicated to Victims of April War Unveiled in Metsamor, Attended by Anna Hakobyan

Today, on the birthday of Sasha Galstyan, who was killed in the April Four-Day War, a monument dedicated to Sasha and other victims of the four-day conflict was unveiled in Metsamor. At the solemn event in the yard of Sasha Galstyan's family home, attended by his parents, were Armenia's Prime Minister's wife, Anna Hakobyan, Armavir Region Governor Hambartsum Matevosyan, Deputy Minister of Defense Gabriel Balayan, Armavir Diocese Archbishop Father Sion Adamyan, and many relatives of the family.

Following the unveiling and consecration ceremony of the monument, the Armenian national anthem was played, and the Armenian state flag was raised next to the monument.

The event dedicated to Sasha Galstyan's birthday continued in the hall of the Metsamor Culture Palace, where a video presentation about the hero was screened, speeches were delivered, poems recited, patriotic songs sung, and dance performances showcased.

“We all need to realize that every moment of peace is made possible thanks to boys like Sasha,” said Deputy Minister of Defense Gabriel Balayan. Armavir Region Governor Hambartsum Matevosyan noted that the Armavir region lost eight soldiers in the April War. “We owe a debt to all the victims of the war, and we must repay that debt through our daily work to make our country thrive,” the governor stated.

Sasha's parents expressed their gratitude to all attendees for being by their side on their son's birthday. Sasha's mother, Mrs. Sofya, mentioned that she had spent the last two years mourning on this day, but during a recent visit to Artsakh, she realized that the time for crying had come to an end. “There were people who recognized us, and while walking in the street, approached and said: 'You are Sasha’s mother, you are Kyarami’s mother.' That obligates us to behave correctly, and from now on, I will do everything to celebrate his birthdays joyfully and with pride,” Mrs. Sofya added.

Sasha Galstyan was born on August 12, 1996. After finishing the 9th grade in Metsamor, he enrolled in college for a degree in dental technology, graduating with honors. He dreamed of becoming a doctor since the 4th grade. He was killed on April 2, 2016, from a sniper's bullet after fighting for several hours in an uneven battle alongside 4-5 fellow soldiers.