Your trusted source

During the Four Day War, Shuli Hakobyan hit three tanks, Gayane Poghosyan writes in HayZinvor .
Below, we present excerpts from the interview.

…Shuli is a tall, broad-shouldered, blue-eyed and handsome young man. Suddenly, the door ajar, I notice two more people in the hallway.

G.P. – Are they with you?
Shuli – Yes, they are my fellow soldiers, Raphael and Vahe. Raphael hit three tanks and received a 2nd class Order of the Combat Cross.

Two young men from Gyumri with 6 hit tanks and two Orders of the Combat Cross.

Shuli – There are times in life, when a man’s dignity is stronger than his fear of death.
G.P. – Was it the same during the war?
Shuli – Indeed, I was scared but there was no alternative. The commander said that we already had two victims and someone needed to destroy those tanks. I volunteered. Did I have another choice?
G.P. – I don’t know.
Shuli – I didn’t. It was clear as day that going against a tank is the same as playing hide-and-sick with death. The Turks were applying all possible weaponry. Raphael volunteered too. And he was also scared of death, yet he hit three tanks. Now it’s not all the same to me how you live, whether you’re hungry or full, happy or miserable. I’ve lost friends to the Four Day War. I’ve fought the enemy. My fight will lose its meaning if you’re not happy and don’t love your country, my country.
G.P. – Are you happy? How do you plan to live your life?
Shuli – I’ll continue my studies in the department of economics. Afterwards I’ll find a job. My grandfather and father are tinsmiths. They’ve taught me the craft. My grandfather Shuli used to say even if you’re a professor you need to know a craft. I like to work, I won’t stay hungry.

They are leaving, but the soldier’s voice still rings in my ears; “My fight will lose its meaning if you’re not happy and don’t love your country, my country.”