Community leaders of Armavir Marz Armenian villages along the Turkish border told me today, on the 20th anniversary of Armenia’s declaration of independence, that the greatest accomplishments realized in the past 20 years were independence itself, victory in the Artsakh War and the creation of a organized military.

Residents of villages a mere 1-2 kilometers from the border were out in force to mark the independence anniversary.

Community leaders told me that celebrations started yesterday evening.

Yervandashat Mayor Hovnan Avetisyan summed up the significance of the day by saying, “Just the fact that Armenia has been able to acquire its independence is a great achievement. What more can you want?”

In the neighboring village of Bagara, where villagers are awakened by the muezzin’s call to pray across the border, residents gathered yesterday at the school yard to celebrate Armenia’s independence.

Bagara Mayor Gevorg Margaryan told me that the liberation of Artsakh has been the greatest achievement since independence.

“It goes without saying that without an army this victory wouldn’t have been possible. I’d add that it’s only been during the past five years or so that the country has gotten its act together and seen some progress, including the economic sector.”

Arazap Mayor Manvel Harutyunyan was in high spirits when we met.

“Hey, independence has been the greatest accomplishment for Armenia. We are living free lives now. You can do what you want and no one bothers you.”

Mayor Harutyunyan noted the progress made in his village – natural gas has been piped in, the school has been renovated and a kindergarten built.

Residents in Arazap also started their celebrations yesterday. Tomorrow, the school will hold its own events marking 20 years of independence.