Armenian people celebrate the victory of the Great Patriotic War, the Liberation of Shushi and the anniversary of the Nagorno Karabakh Defense Army’s establishment during this month.

Around 600, 000 Armenian soldiers also fought during the Great Patriotic War (World War II). 4 Marshalls and 1 Admiral from Armenia were commanding during those times. 70, 000 Armenian soldiers were awarded highest medals for their service, and 104 soldiers were named “Hero of the USSR”.

24 years ago on May 9, the Armenian forces accomplished the mission “Wedding in the Mountains”, liberating Shushi. This unusual name comes from the fact that at that time Defense Minister Vazgen Sargsyan considered the Shushi liberation plan presented by Commandos and Samvel Babayan as impossible. He thought that such an operation was too early to realize and should be well prepared. They decided to organize Vazgen Sargsyan’s wedding in the mountains after capturing Shushi. So the operation has received the conditional title “Wedding in the Mountains”.

The liberation was a turning point in the Nagorno Karabakh War, and was followed by numerous other victories.