At Hristo Botev Square in the city of Vratsa, the 26th Student Guard Detachment was ceremonially established today, which will operate at “Hristo Botev” Secondary School, Vratsa.
The event brought together representatives of state institutions, local authorities, clergy, school principals, guests from Bulgaria and abroad, as well as numerous citizens who came to support the young guardsmen.
Among the official guests were:
- Kalin Kamenov – Mayor of Vratsa Municipality,
- Stefan Krasimirov – Regional Governor of Vratsa Region,
- Loreta Koleva – Head of the Regional Department of Education – Vratsa,
- Representatives of local and central government,
- Representatives of the Bulgarian Army – Military District 2nd Degree – Vratsa and Formation 54 990 – Vratsa.
Colonel Petar Kindalov, Commander of the National Guards Unit, and Dr. Denislava Angelova, Chairperson of the “Youth Guard Detachments” Association, also honored the event with their presence.
The new flag of the student detachment was consecrated by His Eminence Grigoriy, Metropolitan of Vratsa. He offered a prayer and blessing for honor, spiritual fortitude, and success in academic pursuits. His words stood out: “May this flag be a symbol of victory, not only in military endeavors, but also in the mastery of the sciences.” With this, His Eminence reaffirmed the non-military yet patriotic character of the Youth Guard Detachment, which embodies in its flag a symbol of knowledge and achievement.
Following the consecration, the traditional ritual of driving nails into the flag took place. The Mayor, the school principal, Dr. Denislava Angelova, and Colonel Petar Kindalov took part in it.
The principal of “Hristo Botev” Secondary School emphasized the significance of the detachment:
“The first student guard detachment in the Vratsa region will be part of the cultural and public life of the city. Its purpose is to awaken patriotic feelings in young people and to preserve our traditions and the Bulgarian spirit.”
The XXVI Student Guard Detachment is set to take part in the traditional celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising.
As part of the ceremony, official congratulatory addresses were read on behalf of the President and the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Bulgaria.
At the close of the event, the Chairperson of the “Youth Guard Detachments” Association, Dr. Denislava Angelova, wished the children perseverance and strength. She also extended her personal gratitude to the representatives of the National Guards Unit – the guardsmen, orchestra, and ensemble – who supported the event with their professionalism, presence, and patriotic spirit.
The ceremony concluded with a performance of “My Country, My Bulgaria” (“Moya strana, moya Bulgaria”) and a ceremonial parade of the young guardsmen. 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 the Bulgarian spirit.
The ceremony was held under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Iliana Iotova, with the participation of the National Guards Unit and the support of the Ministry of Defense.
