SOFIA, Bulgaria - The chief of the National Guard Bureau honored Bulgaria's war dead during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Bulgarian Tomb of the Unknown Soldier here June 2.
"We have come here this morning to pay our respects and honor the sacrifice of Bulgaria's Unknown Soldier, who represents the thousands of Bulgarian military members who gave their lives during World War I," LTG H Steven Blum said as he stood at the tomb with Donald Loren, deputy assistant secretary of defense for homeland security integration, and LTG Galimir Pehlivanof, Bulgarian deputy chief of staff for operations and training.
Blum and other senior Guard officials are in Sofia for the National Guard State Partnership Program (SPP) Southeast Europe Regional Workshop.
The workshop brings together adjutant generals from 10 states and the defense chiefs of 10 Southeast European countries those states are partnered with. The senior military leaders are exchanging information and ideas to strengthen mutual security cooperation activities under SPP and the U.S. European Command and to promote stability and progress in Southeastern Europe, according to National Guard Bureau officials.
"This is also an opportunity for us to pay tribute to the brave Bulgarian soldiers of today who have given their lives in Iraq," Blum said. "Bulgaria's sacrifice in the ongoing war on terror is deeply appreciated."
Bulgarian soldiers, National Guard Citizen-Soldiers and Guard civilians stood at attention during the ceremony at the tomb here in the heart of Sofia while passersby watched.
"No matter our nationalities, as Soldiers we share the sacred bond of service to our countries and deeply believe in the importance of remembering those who have fallen on the field of battle," Blum said. "Bulgaria has a proud and distinguished military history, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to acknowledge the courage and bravery of her Soldiers."