site.btaToday's Observances: February 28

On this date in Bulgarian history:

1884: Naval brass orchestra set up.

1886: First hospital providing military medical services set up in Plovdiv.

1906: An Aviation Department is created to operate observation balloons for the army thus laying the foundation of the Bulgarian Air Force. In 1911, the government adopts a decision for the training of pilots and air mechanics abroad and for the purchase of aircraft. In 1912 Bulgaria already has its Air Force. On October 16, 1912 two airmen reconnaissance flight over Edirne, Turkey. This was the first military mission performed by a Bulgarian aircraft.  

1967: Salza i Smiah New Drama Theatre is inaugurated.

2005: The National Bank of Bulgaria puts into circulation a new coloured commemorative coin marking March 1 - the Day of Baba Marta ("Granny March", a mythical figure who brings with her the end of winter and the beginning of spring), with a nominal value of 5 leva, a circulation of 10,000 and a price of 15 leva.

2006: A Centre for Bulgarian and Balkan Studies named after Marin Drinov is opened at the Vasyl Karazin National University of Kharkiv (Ukraine).

2007: Bulgarian National Bank launches Great Bulgarian Voices series with silver commemorative coin featuring bass Boris Christoff.