On June 2, we honor those who gave their lives for freedom and independence

Bulgaria can be strong and united when it stays true to the ideals of its heroes, said President Iliana Iotova at a ceremony in Vratsa on the occasion of the Day of Hristo Botev and of those who died for the freedom and independence of Bulgaria, BTA reported.

Addressing the crowd on the evening of June 1 in “Hristo Botev” Square, President Iotova paid tribute to the immortal poet and revolutionary and to all known and unknown heroes who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the homeland.

According to her, the memory of the heroes reminds Bulgarians who they are and where they come from. “It reminds us that the blood of our national heroes flows in our veins. It reminds us that we walk on glorious land that remembers difficult but magnificent battles and great people”, Iliana Iotova said.

President Iotova emphasized that Botev’s testament is especially relevant today. “We can break every chain that shackles the human mind and soul. This is what Hristo Botev bequeathed to us'', Iliana Iotova said. She called on Bulgarians to be united and to uphold justice and national ideals.

Edited by Ivo Ivanov

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov