In a solemn and proud ceremony under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev, the flag was presented to the 24th Student Guard Unit at “Savo Savov” Secondary School in the town of Pirdop.
The event gathered representatives from state institutions, local government, school administration, and the National Guard. Attendees at the ceremony included:
• Petar Mladenov – Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports,
• Tanya Mihaylova – Chief of Staff to the Minister of Education and Science,
• Iliya Milushev – the President’s advisor on defense and security,
• Джузепе Де Франческо – Honorary Consul of Italy in Plovdiv,
• Angel Gerov – the mayor of Pirdop Municipality,
• Colonel Petar Kindalov – Commander of the National Guard Unit and
• Dr. Denislava Angelova – Chairperson of the “Youth Guard Units” Association.
The symbolic nails on the flag were placed by the school principal, Miglena Djezhova, along with the official guests, as an expression of solidarity, continuity, and respect for the national symbols.
Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Petar Mladenov congratulated the young guards and emphasized that the Bulgarian flag is a symbol of honor, duty, and unity, interwoven with the strength, hope, and spirit of the Bulgarian people. He stated that the Ministry of Youth and Sports supports all initiatives that build character, unite communities, and instill values, because sports and the spirit of the guard have something in common – they teach perseverance, respect, and fair play.
On behalf of the Minister of Education and Science Krasimir Valchev and herself, Tanya Mihaylova extended greetings, congratulating the students on their choice to be part of a tradition that unites knowledge, virtue, and patriotism. She wished the young guards to preserve these values and carry them into the future with discipline, responsibility, and love for their Homeland.
A congratulatory address on behalf of President Rumen Radev was read by his defense and security advisor, Iliya Milushev. In it, the head of state thanked the students for joining the guard unit and setting an example of patriotism not only for their peers but also for adults. “Be proud guardians and continuators of the work of our ancestors,” the president’s message stated.
With excitement and pride, the flag of the new student guard unit was presented to the young guards by Colonel Kindalov, the Commander of the National Guard Unit.
Dr. Denislava Angelova, chairperson of the “Youth Guard Squads” association, congratulated the participants and emphasized that the guard mission represents honor, duty, and service to the Homeland. She urged the children to protect the flag with dignity and carry it with pride:
“Today you are not just receiving a flag – you are taking on a mission. Being a guardsman means serving Bulgaria with a pure heart, being an example, inspiring others, and continuing the tradition of valor and patriotism.”
The ceremony concluded with a performance of “My Country” and a formal parade by the young guards. To the applause of their parents, teachers, and guests, they took their first steps as part of the National Youth Guard community—a symbol of honor, discipline, and Bulgarian spirit.
The ceremony was held under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev, with the participation of the National Guard Unit and the support of the Ministry of Defense.
