National Guards Unit of Bulgaria - AbsoluteAstronomy.com

The National Guards Unit of Bulgaria

Bulgaria

Bulgaria , officially the Republic of Bulgaria , is a parliamentary democracy within a unitary constitutional republic in Southeast Europe. The country borders Romania to the north, Serbia and Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, as well as the Black Sea to the east...

is the successor of the Personal Cavalry Convoy of knyaz

Knyaz

Kniaz, knyaz or knez is a Slavic title found in most Slavic languages, denoting a royal nobility rank. It is usually translated into English as either Prince or less commonly as Duke....

Alexander I, founded in 1879, when on July 12 the guards escorted the Bulgarian knyaz

Knyaz

Kniaz, knyaz or knez is a Slavic title found in most Slavic languages, denoting a royal nobility rank. It is usually translated into English as either Prince or less commonly as Duke....

for the first time. Accordingly 12 July is the official holiday of the modern National Guard Unit. Throughout the years the structure of the guards has changed from convoy to squadron, regiment and after 1942 - division. Today it includes military units for army salute ceremonials, a band and a wind orchestra. The guardsmen have however changed their weapons from cavalry sabres to infantry rifles.

In 2001 the National Guards Unit was declared the official military unit representing the Bulgarian Army

Military of Bulgaria

The Military of Bulgaria, officially the Bulgarian Army represents the Armed Forces of the Republic of Bulgaria. The Commander-in-Chief is the President of Bulgaria . The Ministry of Defence is in charge of political leadership while military command remains in the hands of the General Staff,...

and one of the symbols of modern state authority along with the flag, the coat of arms and the national anthem.

The mission of the National Guards Unit is not just to display military traditions and rituals but also to provide a center for their revival and enrichment in order to preserve and enhance the national identity of the Republic of Bulgaria.

The National Guards Unit has its own war flag

War flag

A war flag is a variant of a national flag for use by the nation's military forces on land. The nautical equivalent is a naval ensign — the battle ensign...

, seal

Seal (device)

A seal can be a figure impressed in wax, clay, or some other medium, or embossed on paper, with the purpose of authenticating a document ; but the term can also mean the device for making such impressions, being essentially a mould with the mirror image of the design carved in sunken- relief or...

, distinctive insignia

Badge

A badge is a device or fashion accessory, often containing the insignia of an organization, which is presented or displayed to indicate some feat of service, a special accomplishment, a symbol of authority granted by taking an oath , a sign of legitimate employment or student status, or as a simple...

and uniform

Uniform

A uniform is a set of standard clothing worn by members of an organization while participating in that organization's activity. Modern uniforms are worn by armed forces and paramilitary organizations such as police, emergency services, security guards, in some workplaces and schools and by inmates...

. The scarlet Guards' uniform was created in 1883 and includes elements of Bulgarian national traditions and symbols. It has remained essentially unchanged throughout the political changes of the last 130 years. The current insignia was introduced in 2002 and concists of Alexander star, which is part of the royal medal "St. Alexander" and is worn on the Duards' hat since 1883. It is placed over a shield in colours of the Flag of Bulgaria

Flag of Bulgaria

The flag of Bulgaria is a tricolour consisting of three equal-sized horizontal bands of white, green, and red. The flag was first adopted after the Russo-Turkish War , where Bulgaria gained independence. The national flag at times was charged with the state emblem, especially during the People's...

. The current war flag, which follows the pattern of the traditional Bulgarian war flags, dates from July 12, 2003.

In 2003 in the eve of 6 May or St George's Day

St George's Day

St George's Day is celebrated by the several nations, kingdoms, countries, and cities of which Saint George is the patron saint. St George's Day is celebrated on 23 April, the traditionally accepted date of Saint George's death in AD 303...

, the biggest Bulgarian military holiday, the Bulgarians saw for the first time the solemn show-ceremony "Iskra" ("Sparkle"). This performance is combination of spectacular demonstration of non-standard combatant positions, movement with and without weapon and saluting battle flags and the heroes, who gave their lives for the freedom and independence of Bulgaria. The ritual "Solemn changing of the sentry of honour in front of the Presidency" first took place on November 5, 2003.

External links

Official site of National Guards Unit.
Rules of the National Guards Unit, passed on May 22, 2001.
"Дълг, чест и гвардейска душа", article in "Български войн" magazine, number 7, 2004.
"За честта и славата на родината" - в навечерието на Трети март", article in "Българска армия" newspaper, number 16310, March 3, 2006.
"Традицията се отстоява всеки ден", article in "Български войн" magazine, number 7-8, 2007.

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See also

External links