The heroism of our ancestors is cause for European self-confidence and national pride, Vice President Margarita Popova said in a speech today on the occasion of the 135th anniversary of the epic battles of Shipka Peak. The Vice President took part in the climax of the anniversary celebrations, held under the patronage of President Rosen Plevneliev.
“On Shipka Peak, a small unit of Bulgarian volunteers, along with Finns, Russians and Romanians decided the course of the Russo-Turkish War, the fate of the Bulgarian people, the Bulgarian Fatherland and the restoration of the Bulgarian state,” Vice President Popova said in her speech. Shipka Peak is a monument of historical immortality, "which is achieved by giving, not taking, high spiritual ideals and integrity,” the Vice President said, and congratulated the participants in the celebration, all Bulgarians in and outside Bulgaria.
Wherever they are, Bulgarians abroad must respect the laws to better represent their country, Vice President Popova said in response to a journalist's question about the possibility of the Presidential institution helping the 21 Bulgarian sailors detained in Spain in connection with alleged drug trafficking. “The message that I delivered on Shipka Peak, applies to all Bulgarians outside the homeland, regardless of what fate brings and who has done what for themselves,” the Vice President told reporters.
Late on Friday, Vice President Popova attended a solemn evening tattoo on Square on Vuzrashdane (Renaissance) Square in Gabrovo dedicated to the 135th anniversary of the Shipka epic. In Gabrovo, the Vice President met with the mayor Tanya Hristova and municipal leadership.