site.btaToday's Observances: July 19

Bulgaria:

- Diplomatic Service Day (since 1999).

On this date in Bulgarian history:

1880: First Bulgarian medal, "For the Liberation of 1877-1878", is instituted. It is conferred on all members of the Bulgarian Volunteer Corps who fought in the Russo-Turkish War battles of Stara Zagora, Shipka and Sheinovo.

1907: First forensic science laboratory is set up as predecessor of the Research Institute of Forensic Science and Criminology (established March 11, 1968).

1974: Diplomatic relations are established with Togo.

2005: A plaque of friendship is put up at the meeting point of the borders of Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey.