site.btaUPDATED President Iotova, PM Radev Lay Flowers at Monument to Unknown Soldier in Memory of Those Who Died Fighting Nazism
President Iliana Iotova and Prime Minister Rumen Radev laid flowers at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier in Sofia in memory of Bulgarian soldiers who died in the fight against Nazism.
Later, the Bulgarian head of State will take part in the ceremony of raising the flag of the European Union in front of the presidential institution on the occasion of Europe Day. Before the ceremony, President Iotova will receive the honor guard of the National Guard Unit.
"On this day we celebrate Victory Day in the Second World War, the end of the global war – the greatest tragedy in human history. We also mark today Victory Day, and a prosperous and peaceful Europe, such as the founders of the European project dreamed of," said Iliana Iotova.
"And precisely today, when the world is once again torn apart by conflicts, we have a huge duty – to our parents and to those who come after us. Just as our parents bequeathed us peace, it is our great responsibility to leave peace to our children," Iotova added.
Today is above all a tribute to the memory of Bulgarian veterans of the Second World War and to the millions of victims who, with their blood, stopped the advance of Nazism in Europe, said Prime Minister Rumen Radev. He added that 9 May, with all the sacrifices in the bloodiest conflict of the 20th century, stands as an example, because it opened the way to renouncing the use of force on the European continent.
According to him, the most important thing today is that a day like May 9 - Victory Day, also opened the door to Europe Day and to the hope for peaceful development of European countries.
Having overcome these heavy bloodshed, the European Union (EU) today has a major obligation to stop the violence in Ukraine and the Middle East. The EU must have not only moral leadership but also the will to be a factor for peace on the continent and in neighbouring regions, Prime Minister Radev added.
Among those present were Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov, BSP leader Krum Zarkov, representatives of military-patriotic unions, and citizens.
Later in the day, Europe Day was marked with the raising of the European Union flag in front of the presidential institution's building.
The ceremony was attended by President Iotova, National Assembly Chair Mihaela Dotsova, Prime Minister Radev, Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev, ministers from the cabinet, members of parliament, representatives of religious communities, and public figures.
/MY/
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