site.btaBulgarian Navy Marks 146th Anniversary with Ceremonies in Ruse

The Bulgarian Navy is celebrating its 146th anniversary on Monday, August 4, with a series of events in the Danubian city of Ruse. The commemorations have been organized with the support of the regional and municipal authorities, according to a joint statement from both administrations.

A ceremony will be held in front of the Naval Tower with the laying of flowers at the memorial plaque of Alexander Konkevich, the first commander of the Bulgarian Naval Forces and founder of the Naval School. A military ritual involving the laying of wreaths and flowers will take place at the Sailor’s Monument.

“The Bulgarian seafaring tradition began here,” reads the inscription on the monument, which has been the starting point of the Navy Day celebrations each year, the municipal authorities recalled. Just days ago, Ruse's regional governor, Dragomir Draganov, said that BGN 16,000 from the national budget had been allocated for the restoration and conservation of the monument.

It was in Ruse, in 1879, that the Navy of the Principality of Bulgaria was first established. A fleet on the Black Sea was later formed towards the end of the 19th century. On November 12, 1897, the Flotilla and Naval Division were separated into the Danube Flotilla, headquartered in Ruse, and the Naval Division (Black Sea Fleet), based in Varna.

Monday’s celebrations also include a concert by the Representative Brass Band of the Bulgarian Navy, which will take place in front of the State Opera House in Ruse. The event also marks the 141st anniversary of the naval band’s founding.