Speech by H.E. A. Harutyunyan, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia at the reception, dedicated to the 34th Anniversary of the Independence of Armenia and 30th Anniversary of[...]

Speech by H.E. Anahit Harutyunyan, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia at the reception, dedicated to the 34th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Armenia and 30th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia to Canada

Գերաշնորհ Տեր Աբգար եպիսկոպոս Հովակիմյան,
The Honorable Senator Leo Housakos,
The Honorable Senator Mohammad Al Zaibak,
Honorary Consul of Armenia in Quebec, Mr. Levon Afeyan,
Reverend Fathers,
Representatives of the Community organizations,
First Members of the Group called "Friends of the Armenian Embassy",
Distinguished Members of the Armenian Community of Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto and beyond,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is truly difficult to find the words to express how deeply honored and moved my team and I are to welcome you all to the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia this evening - to celebrate two significant landmarks that are inseparable from one another: the 34th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Armenia, and the 30th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Armenian Embassy here in Ottawa.

What makes this celebration truly meaningful is that both of these historic moments are deeply connected to you. Those 34 years represent more than just Armenia's independence - they represent some of the most significant and defining years of your own lives. Everything we are celebrating tonight has been built together - hand in hand, side by side - with all of you.

***

34 years ago, on September 21, 1991 Armenia declared its independence.

For every Armenian, wherever we were in the world, that day was not just a turning point - it was a dream fulfilled. A dream that still needs to be realized in full.

Throughout these years, we have experienced moments of victory and excitement - as well as moments of hardship and painful lessons. Each one has shaped us. Each one has tested our resolve and challenged our dedication.

But perhaps the most important thing - what truly defines these three and a half decades - is that through it all, Armenia has endured. Therefore, let us never stop believing in the journey we've begun, and in the Armenia, we are still building. Let us never stop believing in what Armenia can become - with all of us, and for all of us.

The future of our nation is shaped not only by the events we face, but by how we respond to them - together, with dignity and purpose.

***

And tonight, as we celebrate Armenia's journey, I want to speak about how profoundly you - the Armenian community in Canada - have shaped and elevated Armenia's presence here in Ottawa. This very building, the home of the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Canada, speaks more than words can express.

Thanks to your devotion, this beautiful heritage building was not only discovered and purchased - it was gifted to Armenia.

Few embassies in this capital city are housed in such a distinguished and historic setting - and even fewer can say that it came into their hands through the love of their own people. At this moment I want to recognize our principal donors-the Acopian, Malkhassian, Adjeleian, and Madjarian families-whose exceptional support was instrumental in establishing this Embassy. Please join me in warmly thanking them.

***

As a grateful recipient of your love and care, I must go a step further and say this building stands today because of the dedication of many.

Every gesture of your support-big or small-every act of your kindness, and every word of your encouragement played a role in building this home for Armenia.

And in this spirit, I would like to take a moment to honor two very special individuals. Though they were unable to join us today, they are very much with us in spirit-and it is only fitting that we recognize their importance to this journey.

H.E. Mr. Garnik Nanagoulian - the first Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Canada. I believe I speak for all of us when I say: his absence is felt in this room and his contributions will never be forgotten.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, whose spiritual guidance was essential throughout this entire time-we are deeply grateful for his blessings and support then, and now.

***

Dear Friends,

What brings me particular joy is that your friendship with Armenia did not end in the early 1990s. On the contrary-it has strengthened by a series of meaningful and impactful projects. Allow to acknowledge just a few of these initiatives:

All Armenian Fund of Toronto,
Nalbandian Village in Armavir,
Zoryan Institute Armenia,
ABGU Armenia,
Atken Armenian Foundation,
Armenian Medical Association of Quebec,
FOCUS Project,
Terjanians' projects in Yeghegnadzor,
Djihanian- Teshkhoyan Foundation,
Hrair Baze Khatcherian's photography.

They all deserve our encouragement and recognition.

***

Dear Friends,

Tonight, we are honored to have with us two very distinguished guests who may not be Armenian by heritage, but who are certainly part of our extended Armenian family.

The Honourable Senator Leo Housakos - our voice on the Hill and a long-time advocate for our rights. Senator, thank you for honouring us with your presence tonight and for your enduring friendship-both to me personally and to the Armenian community at large.

The Honourable Senator Mohammad Al Zaibak - a friend whose support I deeply cherish. Your bond, Senator, with the Armenian community goes back many years, and we are grateful for your presence and solidarity.

Dear Friends,

We've done our very best to invite as many members of our community as possible - especially those who played a key role in the establishment of the Embassy during its first year. In preparing the list, we relied on our institutional memory and consulted many of you throughout the process. If, by chance, we have unintentionally missed someone, please know that it was never deliberate. We sincerely count on your understanding.

Before I close, my special thanks go to our talented musicians. Dear Sasha and Arden, thank you for filling this evening with psych a beautiful sense of celebration.

None of this would have been the same without my dedicated team - who absolutely deserve recognition and a well-earned round of applause for making everything possible behind the scenes.

And of course, my heartfelt thanks go to each and every one of you - for being here tonight and especially for making the journey all the way from Toronto, Montreal and beyond. Tonight's incredible turnout is deeply flattering-but more than that, it reminds us of the expectations we must continue to meet.

And on a personal note, just one last thing, your support-both to me and to all of my predecessors-has been one of the most powerful reflections of your love for Armenia. So, thank you!