Today, a solemn ceremony was held at “Freedom” Square in Aitos for the presentation of the regimental flag to the 6th Student Guard Squadron of “Hristo Botev” Secondary School. The ceremony was under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev, with support from the Ministry of Defense and the assistance of the National Guard Unit.
The flag of the country’s sixth student guard detachment was ceremonially blessed by His Eminence, the Metropolitan of Sliven, Yoanikiy. The ritual included the National Guard Unit and the Representative Guard Brass Band. 30 students from 9th to 12th grade at “Hristo Botev” Secondary School in Aytos earned the honor of wearing guard uniforms, which are exact replicas of the ceremonial military unit. Following an old royal tradition, Ivo Antonov, Director of the “Social Policy” Directorate at the Ministry of Defense, the Mayor of Aytos Municipality, Vasil Edrev, Lt. Col. Borisov from the National Guard Unit, and the Director of “Hristo Botev” Secondary School, Penka Kiryazova, hammered nails into the flag’s handle to ensure it is stable and can be carried with dignity by the young guards. The flag was presented to the Aytos student squad by the standard-bearers of the National Guard Unit.
Especially for the event in Aytos, Dr. Denislava Angelova, the organizer of the initiative and Chair of the “Touch the Rainbow” Association, was a guest. The Deputy Regional Governor of Burgas, Vladimir Krumov, and Fleet Admiral Chobenkov also attended the ceremony.
Ten years after the creation of the first squad, Aytos ranks among the six cities in the country that have their own junior guards. In his ceremonial speech, Mayor Vasil Edrev wished them to uphold with dignity and honor the symbols of Bulgarian statehood, history, and military traditions. “Remember, today you take on the immense responsibility of being an example for the children and young people of Aytos! To lead all patriotic events in your hometown. Be healthy and keep the flag clean,” the mayor said in his address to the young guards.
Ivo Antonov extended congratulations to the Student Guard Unit of “Hristo Botev” Secondary School on behalf of the Minister of Defense, Krasimir Karakachanov. For their contribution and merits in the military-patriotic upbringing of young people, he read a decree from the Minister awarding Mayor Vasil Edev with a commemorative medal “100 Years Since the First World War.” Commemorative medals from the Minister of Defense were also awarded to the Director of “Hristo Botev” Secondary School, Penka Kiryazova, and to the Head of the Military Club in Aytos, Ivan Ilarev.
