President Armen Sarkissian’s message on the occasion of Gyumri Day

Dear citizens of Gyumri,

Dear compatriots,

Distinguished guests,

I cordially congratulate you all on the occasion of Gyumri Day.

This year the celebrations are carried under the motto “Gyumri - the city of Masters.” And it is not accidental because Gyumri has been giving many real masters of words and deeds whose creations are becoming lasting values. The traditions, history, language, and daily life of Gyumri, all together they create the character of the city. And everything should be done not only to preserve it but to make it even more colorful and appealing. All my visits to Gyumri have one clear-cut purpose – to show that Gyumri lives, to do everything possible to make the life here more spirited, full, and attractive. To show Armenia’s diversity also through Gyumri’s example: If you visit it once, you’ll be attached to it forever. Gyumri should not be left between the art and the disaster. Gyumri should keep the disaster in its memory and fill the life with art – the art of living, creating, and crafting.

Dear citizens of Gyumri,

You have a very nice saying, “Tears and joy just like rails are always running side by side.” We must do everything so that the “train” of tears never comes up to the “train” of joy.
Happy birthday, dear Gyumri.

As the poet said, “The eagle resting on Aragats, live forever, my Gyumri.”