Statue of Robert Abajyan unveiled at Yerevan school No. 147
On January 28, a statue of the Hero of Artsakh Robert Abajyan was solemnly unveiled in the courtyard of the Robert Abajyan School No. 147 in Yerevan. The bronze statue was created by sculptor Artush Papoyan. Robert Abajyan is depicted with a grenade in his hand, and his famous words are inscribed on the pedestal: “The one who surrenders the position…”
In a conversation with journalists, Robert Abajyan’s father, Aleksandr Abajyan, noted:
“When I first saw the statue, only the head was finished. At that moment, his mother called and asked where I was; I said, ‘I’m standing next to Kyazh’ [Robert’s nickname]—that’s how similar it is. I was waiting for the time they would bring my Robert to the school; it had to happen sooner or later. This year marks his 30th anniversary, and he will already be in his school,” said Robert Abajyan’s father.
The day of the unveiling was not accidental; today marks the 34th anniversary of the formation of the RA Armed Forces. Aleksandr Abajyan wished for Armenian soldiers to always serve under a peaceful sky.
Robert Abajyan was born on November 16, 1996. He fell on April 2 during the Four-Day Artsakh War while defending a position located in the direction of Martakert. Abajyan continued to fight alone against superior enemy forces until the last bullet. Noticing the enemy approaching, Abajyan made his final radio contact, stating that he had already pulled the pin on his last remaining grenade and was waiting. Seeing the opponent closing in, Abajyan hid the pulled grenade in his palm and raised his hands, creating the impression that he was surrendering. Allowing the enemy to get close enough, Abajyan released the grenade, blowing himself up along with several enemy soldiers.
For his exceptional courage and bravery, by the decree of the President of the Republic of Artsakh on May 8, 2016, he was posthumously awarded the highest title of “Hero of Artsakh” and the “Golden Eagle” order.