On Saturday, 25 June 2022, in Yerevan, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party was celebrated with great pomp in the courtyard of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, with the participation of RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
Also present were the Chief of Staff of the RA Government, Arayik Harutyunyan, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Hagop Arshakyan, other officials, members of parliament and representatives of the political field, party comrades and supporters.
After the anthems of the Republic of Armenia and the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party were played, the solemn event began with a film about the journey of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party, which presented the various phases of the party’s patriotic activities.
A welcome speech was delivered by the Chairman of the ADL, Mike Kharapyan, who expressed gratitude to those present for taking part in the celebration of the glorious 100th anniversary of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party.
In his speech, he particularly noted that the choice of venue for the celebration was not accidental. For the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party, which has always believed in democracy, celebrating its 100th anniversary in this historic precinct of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, considered the cradle of democracy, holds special significance.
He also stressed that the ADL believes that the supreme value is the homeland and the native statehood, and the Diaspora is their powerful pillar. Therefore, the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party has been and is always ready to become a safe and powerful pillar and partner of the homeland authorities in the Diaspora.
Then, to deliver a welcome speech and present a state award, RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan was invited to the podium, who awarded the Chairman of the ADL Central Board, Mike Kharapyan, presenting him with the Medal of Gratitude established by the RA President.
Congratulating on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the ADL’s founding, the Prime Minister stressed in his speech that the party’s contribution to the preservation of Armenian identity and the strengthening of Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora ties is invaluable.
“With its century-long activity, the party has served our people and homeland, being one of the organizations inspiring Armenians, solving important national problems, securing international recognition of the Armenian Genocide, organizing the repatriation of Armenians, and solving other pan-national issues. The Government of the Republic of Armenia still feels the support and solidarity of the ADL in solving important problems facing Armenians and Armenia, preserving national identity and language, strengthening ties with the Motherland, developing Armenia and Artsakh, and resolving other issues,” said Nikol Pashinyan.
Wishing the Ramgavar Azadagan members fruitful and productive party-building activity, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that Armenia and Armenians will always continue to feel the solidarity and support of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party.
A speech was also delivered by the party’s Deputy Secretary, Vazgen Eskijian. In his speech, he emphasized that the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party, with its hundred years of fruitful national service, is today more vibrant and vital than ever within all Armenian communities of the Diaspora, with its active and honorable tradition, stressing that this highly encouraging phenomenon is a reality thanks to the growing trust and loyalty shown by the rank-and-file members enlisted in the ADL’s ideology towards the Party’s leadership and organization.
He also stated that the ADL has been, remains, and will certainly continue to be the advocate and preacher of national unity and solidarity, always taking a stand in favor of Armenia, the Armenian people, and all our national interests, without the slightest expectation, on the contrary, often with conscious and devoted sacrifice. He also expressed conviction that “the course of present turbulent events clearly underscores the necessity in our current reality of a party possessing the characteristics, temperament, and principles of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party, not only to maintain seriousness and balance, but especially to profess and inspire true and unwavering patriotism.”
After the official part of the event, the guests and attendees enjoyed wonderful performances of works by Komitas, Makar Yekmalyan, Parsegh Kanachyan, and Edgar Hovhannisyan by the National Academic Choir of Armenia, conducted by Maestro Hovhannes Chekijian.
On this occasion, the ADL Chairman, Mike Kharapyan, presented a token of appreciation to Maestro Hovhannes Chekijian, in recognition of his extensive contribution and unique merit in glorifying Armenian song, music, and culture.
At the end of the jubilee celebration, in an atmosphere of mutual well-wishes, a gracious reception was held and the cutting of the ADL’s 100th anniversary cake took place.
