Fandakova: The memorial preserves historical memory and contributes to education in patriotic and Christian values

On May 2, 2018, a meeting of the Initiative Committee was held at the Military Academy "G. S. Rakovski" for the adoption of the conceptual design of the chapel-memorial at the Military Academy "G. S. Rakovski".

In January 2017, an Initiative Committee was set up for the construction of a chapel-mausoleum at the Military Academy "G. S. Rakovski" commemorating the fallen heroes of the World War I. The construction of a memorial in the area of the Military Academy "G. Rakovski" is a patriotic act of praise and admiration for the heroism and sacrifice of the warriors who gave their lives for the freedom of Bulgaria during the World War I.

 

The head of the Academy, Major General Grudi Angelov, opened the meeting and gave the floor to the architects Ani Markova and Stoimen Demerdjiev to present the design. Once the participants were acquainted with the proposed design for the monument, the committee members proceeded to discussion.

The Mayor of Sofia, Yordanka Fandakova, who is co-chair of the Initiative Committee, said that the monument would become a symbol of patriotism and homage for all citizens and guests of Sofia. Mayor Fandakova said the memorial supported three powerful causes: to preserve historical memory and to be a place where one could tell about it, to be a city park and a green space for citizens and guests of the capital and to contribute to education in patriotic and Christian values.

The Mayor of Sofia thanked the Deputy Prime Minister for the internal order and security and Minister of Defence, Krasimir Karakachanov, for having agreed to provide the land for the realization of this patriotic initiative.

Vice-admiral Emil Eftimov, Deputy Chief of Defence, expressed his opinion on the design and supported Mrs. Fandakova's speech assuring the participants that the resource of the Information Centre of the Ministry of Defence, the Military TV Channel and the “Bulgarian Army” newspaper will be used for the cause.

Mr. Zhelyu Boychev, Member of Parliament, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Todor Chobanov, Deputy Mayor of Sofia Municipality, Mr. Zdravko Zdravkov, Chief Architect of Sofia, Lieutenant general f. r., Kiril Tsvetkov - Chairman of the Land Forces Association, Major general f. r., Petko Dragoev, Honorary Chairman of the Committee of the Graduates of National Military University "Vasil Levski", Brigadier general f. r., Stefan Stefanov and other experts shared their attitude toward the project.

The conceptual design was voted and unanimously approved for the building of the chapel-mausoleum "St. Georgi Pobedonosets".