The flag of the fifth student guard unit in the country, established at “Otets Paisiy” Primary School in Batak, was blessed by priests and ceremonially handed over at a ritual on “Liberation” Square in the town. The ceremony followed an old royal tradition. The event featuring the National Guard Unit was attended by Batak Mayor Petar Paunov, Deputy Regional Governor of Pazardzhik Yordan Kozhuharov, Presidential Defense Advisor Iliya Milushev, Director of the “Social Activities” Directorate at the Ministry of Defense Ivo Antonov, Chairperson of the Batak Municipal Council Katerina Angelova, Brigadier General Ilko Yordanov, initiator of the guard units and orchestras initiative and Chairperson of the “Touch the Rainbow” Association Dr. Denislava Angelova, Bishop Arseniy of Znepole, Olympic medalist and world champion in rhythmic gymnastics Reneta Kamberova, representatives of the First Student Guard Unit in Kardzhali and the Third Student Guard Unit in Smolyan, directors of cultural institutions, and local organizations. After the ritual of blessing the flag, the official guests were invited, according to tradition, to nail a pin into the flag’s staff. It was ceremonially handed over by representatives of the National Guard unit to their young successors. The director of “Otets Paisiy” Primary School, Rayna Valchinova, wished the young guards to preserve the proud Batan spirit and to be worthy, good, and honest people. Mayor Petar Paunov expressed gratitude in his speech to President Rumen Radev, the Ministry of Defense, the National Guard Unit, and Dr. Denislava Angelova for the opportunity for the Batak students to participate in this patriotic initiative, which will inspire a sense of duty and responsibility in them. “Dear children, thank you for eagerly participating in this endeavor. By embracing the idea, you set an example of patriotism not only for your peers but also for adults. Love your city, as it holds much history, and remember the importance of collectively fostering admiration for national achievements, attachment to our homeland, land, language, and traditions. Be proud of our rich past, cherish your school, preserve its traditions, and continue to defend the name of your patron with dignity and honor. Preserve the ceremonial uniform, woven with national symbols, as it is a unique emblem of our statehood,” states President Radev in the congratulatory address. “To be a guardsman is an honor and a pride, but only the worthy can be guardsmen. Children, be proud to be part of this unit!” Ivo Antonov addressed the students, then presented the honorary sign of the Ministry of Defense to the principal of “Otets Paisiy” Primary School. The school also received a special plaque from the National Guard Unit. “Batak holds a special place in the consciousness of the Bulgarian people and our history. With its glorious self-sacrifice, Batak shows the world that Bulgaria has the will for liberation. Dear students, know that the guard uniform carries with it great responsibility, dignity, and love,” said Dr. Denislava Angelova in her address. The event concluded with a ceremonial presentation of the flags of Bulgaria and the European Union, accompanied by the performance of the song “My Country, My Bulgaria” by the Representative Guard Orchestra and its soloists.
