06.5.2007

Solemn Parade Marks Bulgaria's Valour Day

Bulgaria's Army held numerous military ceremonies to mark its professional holiday and the Day of Valour, Gergyovden in the centre of Sofia on Sunday.

Nine squads of Bulgarian missions abroad, the National Guards, higher military schools and representatives of the Air and Naval Forces took part in the most impressive part of the celebrations - the solemn parade at Batenberg Square.

Planes and helicopters with Bulgaria's flag on them flew in the sky of Sofia.

About 30 commandos demonstrated fight and karate techniques to put the parade to an end.

Earlier in the day, Bulgaria's President Georgi Parvanov, the Chief of Army Staff General Zlatan Stoykov, Defense Minister Vesselin Bliznakov and Parliamentary Speaker Georgi Pirinski laid wreaths on the Unknown Soldier monument.

The head of state has also reviewed the troops and attended the hoist of military colours at St Alexander Nevski Square.

The president, cabinet ministers, lawmakers, defense and civil officials and many guests joined the ceremony of sanctification of Bulgaria's fighting flags.

Bulgarian commandos demonstarted fight techniques as part of the celebrations on the occasion of the Valour Day and the Army's professional holiday. Photo by Kameliya Atanasova (Sofia Photo Agency)

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