Mayor Dimitar Nikolov sends an official greeting to the residents of Burgas on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Bulgaria – March 3rd.
“Dear fellow citizens,
Today we bow our heads in respect and gratitude, marking 148 years since the Liberation of Bulgaria from Ottoman rule. March 3rd is a date that marks the restoration of Bulgarian statehood and the return of our country to the political map of Europe. It lays the foundations for a new beginning – of spiritual awakening, cultural and economic upswing, and the establishment of the modern Bulgarian state.
On this day, we pay deserved tribute to all those who participated in the Russo-Turkish Liberation War of 1877–1878. We pay homage to the feat of the warriors who, with bravery and self-sacrifice, won our freedom.
Let us not forget the decisive role of the Bulgarian people. The Bulgarian militia left a shining example of valor, heroism, and patriotism in the memorable battles at Stara Zagora and on Shipka Peak. Without the efforts, faith, and self-sacrifice of thousands of known and unknown Bulgarians, freedom would not have been possible.
Our freedom was won not only on the battlefield, but also through the long years of work of educators, clergymen, revolutionaries, and awakened Bulgarians who preserved our national consciousness and prepared the way for the restoration of statehood.
Today, our responsibility is to be worthy heirs of these heroes – to protect our freedom, to confidently build the future and to preserve our unity as a nation.
Happy National Day!
Long live Bulgaria! “