"Cancelled in the past and attacked today, March 3 not only withstands self-interested pressure, but thanks to its moral charge, to the will of the vast majority of Bulgarians, this festive day has become a victory of ideals over nihilism," said the head of state.

Rumen Radev emphasized that in the current troubling times, when borders are being swept away and weapons are increasingly silencing reason, Bulgarian politicians must watch over the sovereignty of the homeland. "All of us, Bulgarians, must believe in our own strength, unite our solidarity efforts to build a free and just Bulgaria," he added.

The ceremonial inspection was attended by the Chairman of the National Assembly Rosen Zhelyazkov, Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov, Vice President Iliana Iotova, Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev, ministers, MPs, representatives of the religious community, diplomats, military, magistrates and citizens.