A solemn military roll call and fireworks display in memory of Hristo Botev, his detachment and all those who died for Bulgaria's freedom was held on the evening of June 1 in Vratsa. President Rumen Radev and Vice President Iliana Iotova took part in the commemorations. 

“Botev and the other heroes proved that there was no such thing as Bulgarian doom. There is Bulgarian courage, Bulgarian self-sacrifice and Bulgarian talent. Standing in front of the poet’s monument today, we ask ourselves – are we worthy of his sacrifice? What are we doing with the freedom bequeathed to us, with the ideals?”, said President Rumen Radev in his speech and added that everyone must find the answer for themselves.

Published and translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Photo: BTA