site.btaNational Observances of 137th Anniversary of Shipka Epopee,80th Anniversary of Erection of Shipka Mount Monument

Shipka Mount, Balkan Range, August 23 (BTA) - Thousands of Bulgarians climbed the Shipka Mount on Saturday to attend the observances dedicated to the 137th anniversary of the battles in the Shipka Pass that were fought during the Russo-Turkish War in 1877, and which proved decisive for Bulgaria's Liberation from the Ottoman Rule in 1878. Also this year, Bulgaria marks the 80th anniversary of the building of the Monument of Freedom at the Shipka Mount.

The Saturday events are the culmination of the national observances on the occasion held under the auspices of President Rosen Plevneliev. Participating in the traditional climbing of the 890 stairs to the monument were 200 children from across the country, who later attended an open lecture on the history of the monument, delivered by Dancho Danchev, Director of the Shipka Bouzloudja Museum.

A historical reenactment of the Shipka battle - a glorious moment of Bulgaria's history - took place with the participation of 250 representatives of the Tradition National Society.

A solemn tattoo and a roll call were held to commemorate the heroes that fell for Bulgaria's freedom. President and Supreme-Commander-in-Chief of the Bulgarian Army Rosen Plevneliev inspected the formation of the attending National Guard Unit and delivered a speech. Attending were ministers, diplomats, mayors, representatives of the central and local authorities and politicians.

"Shipka symbolizes a genuine patriotic cause around which we should unite. It gives an occasion to many Bulgarians to recall that our predecessors - united and selfless - won Bulgaria's freedom," reads an official message of the President's Office.

Many sideline events took place including a memorial service for the victims of the Shipka battle. The Shipka Mount was scaled from three different sides. A newly erected eternal flame monument at the crypt of the Monument of Freedom was consecrated by a solemn ceremony.