Ruse celebrated 145 years since the establishment of the Navy in Bulgaria
Monday, 05 August 2024
With a military ritual and laying wreaths and flowers in front of the Monument of the Sailor in Ruse, the Navy of the Republic of Bulgaria celebrated the 145th anniversary of its establishment. "This is where Bulgarian seafaring begins," reads the inscription on the monument. Therefore, every year, traditionally, the celebrations on the occasion of the founding of the Navy begin in Ruse.
"Our responsibility as citizens of Ruse and Bulgarian citizens is to preserve and pass on the memory of our ancestors, always remembering their feats. We express our gratitude to you for your daily struggle to increase and maintain your abilities, because they are our protection and the obstacle to the violation of the peace and territorial integrity of the country. The way you perform military service is an example for each of us of how we should fulfill our civic duties as Bulgarians, regardless of our profession. The defense of the homeland is the responsibility of each of us, not just people in uniform. Ruse remembers and treats you with great respect and appreciation" , addressed the Mayor of Ruse Municipality Pencho Milkov to the servicemen from the Navy and the attendees.
Welcoming speeches were also made by the Commander of the Navy Rear Admiral Kiril Mihaylov and the Regional Governor Dragomir Draganov. The event was attended by a number of officials, representatives of municipal and state institutions, military personnel and reserve officers, MPs, priests from the Holy Metropolis of Ruse and grateful citizens of Ruse.
The festive events were preceded by a solemn ceremony in front of the building of the Fleet Tower. Traditionally, flowers were laid there in front of the memorial plaque of the first commander of the Bulgarian Navy and founder of the Naval School - Lieutenant Commander Alexander Konkevich.
The culmination of the celebrations was the festive concert, which began at 8 p. m. in front of the Dokhodno zdanie. Marches and popular melodies were performed by the Representative Brass Band of the Navy, which this year celebrates 140 years since its establishment.
On August 12, 1879, the Bulgarian Navy was established under the name "Danube Flotilla and Naval Unit" in the city of Ruse. For the first time, the Bulgarian naval flag was flown over 4 steamships, 7 steam boats, one schooner, one barge and five rowing boats.
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