After the failed August putsch, the people of Armenia voted in a referendum to proclaim independence from the Soviet Union on September 21, 1991.

[2] This is the second declaration of independence in modern Armenian history, the first having occurred on May 28, 1918 which led to the formation of the First Republic of Armenia.

At the conclusion of the address, the parade formations shout a threefold Oorah, followed by the playing of Mer Hayrenik by the massed bands of the general staff.

The parade began with Defense Minister Serzh Sargsyan, and Chief of Staff Mikael Harutyunyan inspecting the troops congratulating them on the holiday.

[16] A group representing the Russian Army's 102nd Military Base in Armenia took part in the parade alongside Armenian troops for the first time.

[20] An international peace brigade carrying the flags of the United States, Germany, Italy, Poland and Greece took part in the parade.

[22] Independence day celebrations are also held in diaspora countries such as Russia, Lebanon and the United States.

In the United States specifically, Armenian-American youth organizations hold rallies and cultural programs on this day.

[25][26] On the holiday in 2020, the personal star of singer Arman Hovhannisyan was installed on the Walk of Fame in Las Vegas.

[27] That same year in Lebanon, Aram I (head of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia) led the divine liturgy and ceremonial flag blessing in Antelias.

[28] Also on the holiday in 2020, the Mayor of Washington, D.C., Muriel Bowser proclaimed September the 21st as “Armenian Independence Day” in the United States capital city.

[29] In early September 2021, the government announced plans for celebrations of the 30th anniversary independence on a large scale.