Almost don't know what it means to have their own country

The attached quote is from an odar friend, who out of personal interest became expertly knowledgeable of Armenian history. I withheld his name.  Odar is an Armenian word. Its literal translation per Mesrob G. Kouyoumdjian, “A Comprehensive Dictionary Armenian-English”, dictionary, Beirut, Atlas Press (1970), is: Strange, foreign, unknown, remote, alien, distant, exotic, outlandish. It also is used to denote a person who is not an Armenian but is used as a deference to the person. Vaհe H Apelian 

To emulate the founder of the first republic, his namesake delegate Aram Manougian 
declares in the national assembly, Armenia is independent

The quote: "Today is the 30th anniversary of Armenia's independence from the Soviet Union, only the second time in modern history when Armenians had an independent country (after a brief 2.5 year period at the end of World War I). Three years ago I photographed the Armenian Independence Day celebrations in Yerevan, the Armenian capital. It was one of my greatest street photography experiences and I was so excited that I shared these photos with basically every Armenian I knew. Today's celebrations were very muted, as Armenians are still mourning their losses in the Second Karabakh War last fall. I have seen several Armenians suggest that forgoing a celebration was the right thing to do. It reminds me of an Armenian I know who is always saying that Armenians almost don't know what it means to have their own country. They would rather mourn their past losses and feel pride about their ability to survive future losses, than to celebrate what they have now and do whatever is necessary to build a stronger country (thereby reducing their chances of future losses). 

I post these celebratory photos in honor of the Armenians who worked hard for their independence and who are committed to building a prosperous, stronger, and peaceful Armenia that fully realizes its independence." September 21, 2021

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On September 21, 1991, Armenia held an independence referendum in which its citizens voted to secede from the Soviet Union. The referendum saw a 95% turnout, with 99% of voters casting a "yes" ballot to leave the USSR. Based on the results, the Armenian parliament formally declared the country's independence on September 23, 1991.

This democratic vote marked the establishment of the modern Republic of Armenia after nearly 70 years of Soviet rule.

 The day, September 21, is now celebrated as Armenia's Independence Day.