The Third Guard Squad at EG “Ivan Vazov” received its representative flag at a solemn ceremony in Smolyan. This initiative was realized by Dr. Denislava Angelova, who is the chair of the “Touch the Rainbow” association. In April this year, she introduced the patriotic and patriotic endeavor to Mayor Nikolay Melemov. The event was attended by Regional Governor Nedyalko Slavov, Mayor Melemov, Chairman of the Municipal Council Engineer Dimitar Krastev, Iliya Milushev – Presidential Advisor on Defense, Ivo Antonov – Director of the “Social Policy” Directorate at the Ministry of Defense, Brigadier General Ilko Yordanov – Commander of the National Guard Unit, Brigadier General Borislav Sertov – Director of the “Military Police” Service, Maria Semerdjieva – Head of the Regional Education Office in Smolyan, Director of the Regional Military Police Service in Plovdiv – Colonel Rumen Todorov, hundreds of students, and citizens of Smolyan. The Archpriest of the Smolyan Spiritual Region, Archimandrite Visarion, consecrated the flag of the Third Guard Detachment. The director of “Ivan Vazov” Language School, Nadezhda Goranova, Mayor Melemov, Regional Governor Slavov, and Brigadier General Yordanov drove nails into the flag’s handle. Brigadier General Yordanov then handed the flag to the guards, who passed it to the standard-bearers of the student detachment with the recommendation to keep it clean and unblemished, to which they promised to do so. “Today our young guards must protect and defend their flag, finding yet another reason to learn more, to be worthy and honest people, and to stay in their homeland. Today is a day of pride, patriotic inspiration, and reverence for history,” stated Goranova in her speech. She expressed gratitude to everyone who stood behind the patriotic idea and supported them in creating the school’s guard detachment. The presentation of the representative banner to the Third Student Guards Unit at EG “Ivan Vazov” – Smolyan is significant for our city and the school, stated Melemov during the ceremonial event. He emphasized that Smolyan is the third city with a student guard detachment, which is a recognition and honor for all who support this noble idea. “The youth of the nation are our greatest treasure, and it is very important for us that you grow up in an environment that fosters patriotism and allows all of us to be proud that we are descendants of an ancient and glorious people. I am confident that you will keep the flag pure and unsullied,” Mayor Melemov said to the young guards. On behalf of the Smolyan community, he added that all the city’s residents are proud and supportive of the diligent youth and emphasized that they can always rely on the support of the Smolyan municipality. Congratulatory addresses from President Rumen Radev and the Minister of Education were read to the young guards. Brigadier General Borislav Sertov presented an official plaque from the Military Police Service to the school’s director. He wished the young guards to be proud of being from the Rhodope region and carrying the invincible Rhodope spirit in their hearts, to be proud of being Bulgarians, and, while wearing the guard uniform, to remain faithful to their country and ready to serve it. Dr. Angelova thanked Mayor Melemov and Regional Governor Nedyalko Slavov for their coordination and full support in establishing the Third Guard Detachment in Smolyan. Brigadier General Ilko Yordanov, the commander of the National Guard Unit, presented the National Guard Unit’s Plaque, explaining that it features the Alexandrov Star at its center. This star is part of the Order of Saint Alexander, established by Prince Alexander I of Battenberg in 1881. Since 1883, it has been worn on the guards’ cap along with the eagle feather, serving as a distinctive symbol of the guard. He also gifted a painting symbolizing the guards’ uniform. “In the capital of the proud Rhodope Mountains—witness to battles and victories, to slavery and freedom—we have firmly placed another stake against anti-Bulgarian sentiment, nihilism, and the denial of our roots through this student guard detachment. This is the bond between the army and the people,” stated Ivo Antonov in his speech. On behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Krasimir Karakachanov, he congratulated the young guardsmen, the local authorities, and all those who cherish and support the Bulgarian army and helped make this patriotic act possible. “These young guardsmen have shown everyone that the Bulgarian martial spirit from Alamyidere, the Rhodope Shipka, from the haiduks and voivodes, is not dead and will continue to live,” Antonov declared. He wished the young guardsmen to wear their uniforms with pride, to pass them on, and to keep the guard’s banner pure and unsullied. “This is a significant event for Smolyan, under the patronage of the President of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev, and supported by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Krasimir Karakachanov. This moment is a source of pride and great responsibility,” Slavov said in his speech, wishing the young guards to put Bulgaria above all else. The celebration concluded with the anthem of the Bulgarian army, “Great Is Our Soldier,” followed by a parade featuring representatives from the National Guard Unit and the student guard detachment from Smolyan.
