Colonel Kyncho Ivanov, the commander of the National Guard Unit, presented the flag to the First Children’s Guard unit at the “Maia” kindergarten during an official ceremony in Plovdiv. The initiative is organized by the “Youth Guard Units” Association and the National Guard Unit, under the patronage of the President, with support from the Ministry of Defense. The ceremony in the “White Birches” park was attended by the Mayor of Plovdiv Municipality, Zdravko Dimitrov – Ziko, Major General Yavor Mateev – commander of the Joint Special Operations Command, leaders of the Youth Guard Units Association, Olympic medalist Reneta Kamberova, military personnel, and many citizens. Priest Iliya Uzunov blessed the flag of the first children’s guard unit. The youngsters were urged to keep it clean and unblemished. Dressed in guard uniforms, the children promptly responded “Good health!” when the mayor greeted them. He expressed his hope that, in time, these young cadets would join the real guard regiment. “It is particularly pleasing to accept the formation of Bulgaria’s first children’s guard unit here in Plovdiv. I wish for all young guards to eventually join the real guard regiment and bring pride and glory to Bulgaria. I also hope the children never learn about the events occurring outside Bulgaria’s borders. I wish everyone health and for these little ones to grow peacefully, never learning the meaning of war,” stated the mayor. Zdravko Dimitrov drove a nail into the flag, followed by General Yavor Mateev, Colonel Kyncho Ivanov, and Olympic rhythmic gymnastics medalist Reneta Kamberova. Stoil Semerdzhiev, the director of “Maia” kindergarten, received a certificate, a plaque, and a painting.
