site.btaYoung Doctor Proposes to Girlfriend in Presidency's Coat of Arms Hall During Ceremony with Youth Guard Units

President Iliana Iotova welcomed youth guard units and volunteers to the presidential institution on May 6, where a young doctor volunteering with a youth guard unit proposed to his girlfriend in the Presidency's Coat of Arms Hall.

The President congratulated the engaged couple and presented them with wedding glasses. "For me, this is one of the happiest moments – two wonderful young Bulgarians pledged eternal love in the Coat of Arms Hall. We are waiting for the wedding," Iotova told them.

Earlier, five student guard units from Elin Pelin, Montana, Pirdop, Peshtera and Vratsa, as well as a university unit from Burgas, presented their oath pledges to the President.

Iotova told the young guards they had already chosen to serve Bulgaria and urged them to carry pride in the country's history and traditions wherever they go.

The engaged couple, Dr. Todor Pepelov Jr. and Dobrinka Sbirkova, later told journalists they had not yet set a wedding date. Pepelov said he had kept the proposal secret and decided to take the step after spending long periods away from his partner while volunteering with the youth guard units.

Sbirkova said the two had met in an emergency department. She described the proposal in the Coat of Arms Hall as an emotional and unforgettable moment.

During the ceremony, Iotova also awarded diplomas to young guards and volunteers supporting the activities of the youth guard units.