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“Throughout our history, we have passed through many hardships, but we always managed to overcome them. The key thing is to be united. I wish that our nation will never lose hope, despite all odds,”  Shoghik Grigoryan told Panorama.am.

The eighth grader is from Talin. Shoghik’s father, Aram Grigoryan,  was killed in 2014 by an Azerbaijani sniper’s bullet on a frontline position at the northern border of Nagorno Karabakh.

“As always, they fired. My father was a senior sergeant. Naturally, it was for him to take the first step. He was a contract serviceman.  His contract had expired, but he continued his military service,” Shoghik recalled.

She has younger siblings - a sister and a two-year-old brother. Shoghik wants to be a translator.

She came today to the Armenian president’s residence to participate in a festive event.

“I am grateful for attention and assistance,” Shoghik says.

Traditional New Year festivities started in the Armenian presidential residence yesterday. Today the presidential residence hosted children and grandchildren of Armenian servicemen and members of the Yerkrapah Volunteer Union, children from families of fallen soldiers or disabled war veterans, including those from Karabakh. Children of Armenian policemen and National Security Service employees are also invited.

Another 8th grader, Ovsanna, came to Yerevan from Gegharkunik. Their family lived in Yerevan, but they moved to Gegharkunik after her father began to serve in the armed forces as commander of the second army corps.

“I wish a safe service to everyone. Let all sons return home so their mothers will never feel sad,” Ovsanna expressed her wish for the year 2016.

Her brother, Levon, is a 6th grader.  He already decided to be a soldier. “I wish bravery and confidence to our soldiers”.

Maria along with her parents moved to Tavush province. Her father serves in the army there.

“He goes to positions for 14 days and then spends 14 days at home. When he is on the positions, we talk to him every day. We always think about him. When he is at home, he helps me with homework,” said Maria who is a 4th grader.

Mher is from Vanadzor. His father is a police colonel. “I don’t want to become a policeman. I want to be a worthy citizen of my country, a soldier in order to protect my Fatherland. Then I will be a footballer, benefactor, and businessman. I want all people, all children to be happy and healthy”.

Nana’s parents are employees of the National Security Service. The girl described their job as difficult – “they detain bad people”. 

“I wish that there will be no bad people and no thefts. I want my country to be free. I don’t want other countries to take us as slaves,” Nana said when expressing her wish.

Among the kids invited to the presidential residence was Yerevan resident Vahan Zatikyan, the grandson of  Vahan Zatikyan, a participant of Karabakh liberation movement, the founder and commander of Malatia volunteer detachment.

“I am proud that I was named after my grandpa. He loved his homeland and went to war so that we could live in peace. I study well so as to continue my grandfather’s work. I wish there will be no war. I wish there will be peace in the world. People should love each other, be friendly.  These are things Azerbaijanis don’t do. I also want all the children to  have their families and celebrate the New Year together with family members,” Vahan said.