site.btaUPDATED Head of State Attends March 3 Ceremony at Shipka Peak

Shipka Peak is a fortress of Bulgarian memory, one that is immune to fleeting political tensions, divisions and hatred, President Iliana Iotova said in her ceremonial address on Tuesday on the occasion of the National Day. “On March 3, we open and read some of the most important pages of our centuries-old history,” she added.

“These are pages of statehood, in which we read about a new, reborn Bulgaria, resurrected from oblivion and martyrdom,” Iotova said. She stressed that these are pages that unite the nation, that make Bulgarians today stand proudly before the national tricolour and, with deep gratitude and reverence, say that the heroes are not forgotten and bow before all the luminous figures of Bulgarian freedom.

The President also noted that on March 3 and in August, people from across the country flock to the proud and unyielding Shipka Peak, bringing their children and grandchildren to pass on the sacred Bulgarian memory to the next generations.

"Before this peak, which 148 years ago became forever inscribed in Bulgarian memory and consciousness, time is powerless," the President stressed. "The passing days cannot erase the memory of the pivotal events and the spirit of bravery of the valiant Russian soldiers and the Bulgarian volunteers. Shipka is part of our future and of Bulgaria’s eternity," Iotova said.

Among those attending the official commemoration at Shipka Peak were National Assembly Deputy Chair Yuliana Mateeva, Kazanlak Mayor Galina Stoyanova, constitutional judge Atanas Semov, Head of the President’s Cabinet Nadya Mladenova, Stara Zagora Regional Governor Iva Radeva, Gabrovo Regional Governor Asen Daskalov, Kazanlak Municipal Council Chair Nikolay Zlatanov, Gabrovo Municipal Council Chair Kliment Kunev, BSP-United Left Floor Leader Nataliya Kiselova, Members of Parliament, BTA Director General Kiril Valchev, Stara Zagora Metropolitan Cyprian, Land Forces Commander Major General Deyan Deshkov, Commander of the 61st Stryama Mechanized Brigade Brigadier General Margarit Mihaylov, representatives of patriotic organizations and parties, and Bulgarian citizens.