site.btaGreat Patriot's Immortality Celebrated Countrywide

Observances for the 151st death anniversary of Bulgarian national hero Vasil Levski (1837-1873) were held countrywide on Sunday.

In Levski's native town, Karlovo (Central Bulgaria), National Assembly Chair Rosen Zhelyazkov addressed a commemorative ceremony in front of the hero's monument. Zhelyazkov recalled Levski's abhorrence of "petty nationalist chauvinism", adding that "his visions, principles and ideals far better suit our present-day concept of democracy, a republic and equality before the law." 

Karlovo Mayor Emil Kabaivanov said at the ceremony that Levski pioneered a new method of organizing the Bulgarian national revolution, insisting that it should be carried out by Bulgarians in Bulgaria.

Also attending the commemorative event were Plovdiv Regional Governor Iliya Zyumbyulev, Metropolitan Nikolay of Plovdiv, and acting Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov.
 
In Lovech (North Central Bulgaria), members of the public paid tribute to Levski's monument and military honours were performed.

In her speech at the commemoration, Vice President Iliana Iotova recalled Levski's idea of the Bulgarian people being emancipated and worthy on a par with all others in Europe, his dream of justice, perfect equality, brotherhood and understanding. "Levski was exacting, provoking, indignant and expecting in his attitude to the people, but above all he loved it immensely," Iotova said further.

Lovech Mayor Stratsimir Petkov and Metropolitan Gavriil of Lovech also addressed the event. Lovech Regional Governor Viktor Stoichev attended the event.  

On Sunday, Levski's death anniversary was marked by floral tributes, memorial church services, military honours and torch-lit processions in numerous locations around the country, including Veliko Tarnovo, Varna, Ruse, Dobrich, Lovech, Stara Zagora, Blagoevgrad, Haskovo, Sliven, Yambol, Gorna Oryahovitsa, Levski, Chirpan, Asenovgrad, Zlatitsa, Kavarna and Shabla.

The observances will continue on Monday, when a solemn tattoo and roll-call will take place in front of Levski's monument in Sofia in the presence of President Rumen Radev, Vice President Iliana Iotova, Defence Minister Todor Tagarev and the Chie of Defene, Admiral Emil Eftimov. Military honours are planned in Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, Karlovo, Pleven, Sliven, Smolyan, Shumen, Dimitrovgrad, Petrich, Asenovgrad and Belene.