Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev has addressed the nation at the official celebrations of Liberation Day Saturday evening.
On March 3 Bulgarians celebrate the end of the 1877-8 Russo-Turkish war, which led to the liberation of the country from a 5-century rule by the Ottoman Empire.
„Liberation is the dream come-true of the Bulgarian Revival. Today we not only bow to the victims, but we realize that we are obliged to work to fulfill their hopes, to find ways to lead us to the dream of pure and sacred Republic in the interest of citizens. Education, spirituality, consistency, and a clear vision – this is what we need in order to realize the future of a strong Mother Bulgaria,“ the President said.
The sacred national colors and flags were brought out on the square in front of the building of the Bulgarian Parliament Saturday evening where the fireworks and the military roll-call ceremony were held. Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Tsetska Tsacheva, politicians, diplomats, representatives of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, and many citizens were present.
The President is also giving a reception at his office building later to mark the national holiday.
„The first spark was the legendary „History of Slavs and Bulgarians,“ written 250 year ago by the modes monk Paisiy Hilendarski which woke up fellow countrymen and women for a new life,“ he pointed out.
Plevneliev outlined four ways through which Bulgaria achieved liberation and independence: creation and strengthening of Bulgarian education; the fight for religious and spiritual freedom, the sacrifice and heroism of the heroes of the National Revival, and the building of the newly-liberated country as a modern State.
Bulgaria Enjoys Liberation Day Greetings from Ban Ki-moon, Obama, Elizabeth II
World leaders – including UN chief Ban Ki-moon, US President Barack Obama, and UK’s Queen Elizabeth II – have sent greetings to Bulgaria on the occasion of its National Liberation Day, March 3.
On March 3, 2012, Bulgaria celebrated 134th years since its liberation from the Ottoman Turkish Empire, and the restoration of its nation-state after a 500-year yoke, achieved after the Russian-Turkish War of 1877-1878.
„This is an opportunity to celebrate the proud culture and history of your country and a chance to demonstrate the role that Bulgaria plays in our globally connected world,“ UN Secretary-General Ban stated in his address to Bulgaria’s head of state Rosen Plevneliev, the Presidency press service announced.
„I welcome the contribution, commitment and leadership of Bulgaria in the quest for a just, peaceful, and prosperous future for all people,“ Ban added.
„Bulgaria is a reliable ally in NATO and an important partner of the United States. We appreciate highly your continuing strong support of the International Security Assistance Foreces, and the contribution of your brave fighters in Afghanistan. We welcome your commitment to democratic reform, and your valuable cooperation in the fight against terrorism, in intelligence and law enforcement with which we protect the security of all of our citizens,“ US President Barack Obama declared in a letter to Plevneliev for March 3.
„It is with great pleasure that I present to Your Excellency my greetings on the occasion of your national holiday, as well as my best wishes for happiness and success of the government and people of Bulgaria,“ Queen Elizabeth stated in her March 3 message.
Bulgaria’s President Plevneliev has also received greetings from the acting heads of state of Austria, Azerbaijan, Germany, India, Ireland, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Greece, Kazakstan, Switzerland.
Source: Novinite.com
