On the eve of the 17th anniversary of the liberation of Shushi, NKR President Bakho Sahakyan awarded Arkady Ter-Tatevosyan with the prestigious "Golden Eagle" medal and bestowed him with the top rank of "Artsakh Hero" for his exceptional service in organizing the defense of Karabakh. The liberation of Shushi also coincides with the Great Patriotic War Victory Day and NKR Defense Forces' Day. On the occasion, NKR Prime Minister Arayik Harutyunyan was awarded the "Military Cross, second rank, for his contribution in defense of Karabakh. This was according to a decree of President Sahakyan. 117 individuals were awarded "Medals of Courage" by presidential decree due to feats of outstanding bravery in the defense of the country. 29 of the medals were awarded posthumously. "Military Service" medals were awarded to 498 individuals; 18 posthumously. 56 individuals were awarded the "Shushi Liberation" medal; 6 posthumously. Mkrtich Mkrtichian, secretary of the All Armenia Fund's Toronto chapter, was awarded the "Vachagan Barepasht" medal for services rendered Karabakh through the implementation of All Armenia Fund projects in Artsakh.