The Day of the Unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia was marked in front of the Mausoleum of Prince Alexander I Battenberg, with the participation of a ceremonial military unit from the National Guard, BGNES reported.

''We have just unveiled a monument to General Vladimir Vazov and now we are standing before the Battenberg ossuarry. I often wonder what the daily lives of these heroes were like, what choices they made, whether they were afraid, what questions they asked themselves, and whether they chose the easy path or the right one'', said Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev in his address. ''We should seek what unites us instead of drawing dividing lines. Only when we move forward together and face all challenges as a society can we build the future we all want for our children. This is the purest way to honor these great people who sacrificed themselves”, added Vasil Terziev.

• Politicians congratulate the Bulgarian people on the occasion of Unification Day

• Bulgaria celebrates the 140th anniversary of the Unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia

The event was attended by Minister of Justice Georgi Georgiev, MPs, municipal councilors and others. Wreaths were laid on behalf of National Assembly Speaker Natalia Kiselova, Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov, Chief of Defense Admiral Emil Eftimov, other senior officials and citizens.

Published and translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Photos: BGNES; BTA