site.btaYouth Guard Units Mark April Uprising Anniversary at National Review in Sofia

The first National Review of School, Children's and Student Guard Units took place in Sofia on Wednesday under the patronage of President Iliana Iotova, bringing together young guards from across the country to mark the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising.

Speaking at the event, caretaker Education Minister Sergey Ignatov described the participants in the April Uprising as "the prototype of the Bulgarian army". He said the uprising marked the birth of modern Bulgaria and praised the rebels’ sacrifice in the name of national freedom. Ignatov also encouraged the young guards to preserve patriotism and reject what he described as public pessimism about Bulgaria’s future.

Addressing participants, Patriarch Daniil said the guard movement symbolizes patriotism, continuity and responsibility to the homeland. He highlighted the connection between Orthodox Christianity and Bulgarian identity and urged young people to uphold Christian virtues and serve as an example to their peers.

President Iliana Iotova said the young guard members are united by their love for Bulgaria despite having different dreams and aspirations. Speaking at Prince Alexander I Square in front of Bulgaria’s state institutions, she described the event as a symbol of tradition and statehood and thanked teachers and guard unit leaders for fostering patriotism among young people.

Earlier in the day, Iotova welcomed youth guard units and volunteers at the Presidency, where a young doctor volunteering with a guard unit proposed to his girlfriend during a ceremony in the Coat of Arms Hall. The President congratulated the couple and presented them with wedding glasses, calling it one of the happiest moments held at the Presidency. During the ceremony, guard units from several Bulgarian towns and a university unit from Burgas took oath pledges, and diplomas were awarded to young guards and volunteers.