Pomorie marked the 118th anniversary of Bulgaria's declaration of independence with a solemn program that included official ceremonies and tributes to those who died for the country's freedom.

The celebration opened with the raising of the national tricolor to the sound of the anthem. Father Boris and Father Georgi from the Holy Nativity of the Virgin Mary Church then held a thanksgiving service.

Later, residents and visitors gathered at the memorial plaques honoring those who died for Bulgaria's freedom and laid wreaths and flowers. Flowers were also placed at the monument to Vasil Levski — a gesture of respect for those who had the courage to tell the world that the Bulgarian people would shape their own destiny.

The citywide celebration was attended by Pomorie Mayor Ivan Alexiev, Municipal Council Chairman Adam Adamov, municipal councilors, public figures and residents of the municipality.

September 22 marks the day Bulgaria declared its independence — the act through which the country stopped asking for permission to exist and began holding its head high.

Happy holiday!