Like every year, this year the events foreseen for celebrating
Independence Day were no different. Each district tries to organize an
event better than the rest, but every year we see the same thing. They
invite the well-known residents of the districts, they bring dance
groups and performers from schools and different clubs and the same
scenario continues.
“Let’s give a hand to… let’s welcome…” begs the host for the evening.
There is no applause. We just chew the sunflower seeds. The stage calls
the dance groups and performers to come back. “Bow to the audience once
again. Applaud for them, after all, they are the future generation.”
After hearing the last line “they are the future generation”, the
performer goes back, stands in line and bows again. Some applause can
be heard. “For centuries, the Arabs, the Seljuks and Turks have tried
to break us apart…”cries the host. “Let’s hear it for… continues the
co-host. “Our district must flourish…”reaches my ear. Since this year
Independence Day precedes the district elections, the concert
organizers went ahead and distributed voting booklets to everyone.
“Let’s hear it for…”
The National Assembly tries to look civilized and democratic while all
of this is going on. The gates in front of the National Assembly open
up and invite everyone for a celebration. With the impressive title
“The National Assembly for the People”, a concert is organized for
classical music lovers.
“Excuse me, are you a citizen of Armenia?” asks the reporter from
Public Radio in the yard in front of the National Assembly. “What do
you think, do we really appreciate the fact that we are an independent
country?” “You know what, I am not a citizen. I am a journalist,” I say
that with regret. “Oh, I’m sorry,” says the reporter with a confused
look. I ask the reporter after a couple of minutes: “Didn’t you find
any citizens?” “I found some and they said that they appreciate the
fact that we are independent,” says the reporter and goes on to prepare
the report. I also leave. On the way there, I see 51-year old Samson
who is sitting in a wheelchair listening to the concert. His wheelchair
is far away from the stage and under a tree. “I got here thanks to God.
The “bodyguard” doesn’t let me go close to the stage and I can not hear
very well from here.” I say to him. “I will go and ask them to take you
closer.” He says to me: “There is no need. Thank God they let me in.”
One of my friends said: “Don’t waste your time on him. He keeps begging
for money and doesn’t leave until he gets it.” I tell my friend: “Fine,
you convinced me.” I leave. I hear the following on the way out: “Well,
let’s celebrate. Let’s get together, eat something, make some toasts…”
Well, we have been independent for 14 years. Now that is a lot to be proud of…