site.btaBulgarian Navy Celebrates 146th Anniversary

Тhe Bulgarian Navy celebrated its 146th anniversary in Ruse (on the Danube) on Monday. The solemn celebration took place in front of the Sailor's Monument in the city. A military ritual was held in front of the monument, with representatives of institutions, non-governmental organizations, and citizens laying wreaths and flowers.

Greetings were delivered by the commander of the Navy, Rear Admiral Kiril Mihaylov, as well as representatives of local and state authorities.

"This monument reminds us of the heroism and feats of military sailors in all the wars in which Bulgaria has participated. (...) Whether we like it or not, we live in a time of growing uncertainty, with more and more military conflicts close to us. The one between Russia and Ukraine is too close to us, especially for the navy, which is confronted daily with what is happening just 300 km from our borders. Fighting floating mines, constant surveillance, and ensuring safe fairways for commercial shipping are our daily activities. We have the luxury of not being shot at, but the danger is no less. Since the beginning of the war, the Navy has destroyed six floating mines. They have responded to over 80 reports of such mines," Mihaylov said.

The celebrations included a concert in front of the State Opera building in Ruse.