Remembrance Day 2024 observed in Bulgaria’s capital Sofia

The traditional Remembrance Day ceremonies were held on November 11 at the Commonwealth, German, Italian and French war graves in Sofia Central Cemetery in Bulgaria’s capital city Sofia.

The date of Remembrance Day is based on that of the Armistice at the close of the First World War – observed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

The day pays tribute to all the military and civilian dead of the First World War and subsequent wars.

At the Commonwealth War Graves, participants were welcomed by British ambassador Nathaniel Copsey. Irish ambassador Catherine Bannon participated in the service, while Father Patrick Irwin led the religious ceremony and Warrant Officer Paul Offord delivered the Exhortation.

Wreaths were laid by diplomats from the Commonwealth, European countries, the United States, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam, as well as by representatives of the Royal Canadian Legion, Bulgaria’s Armed Forces and the Foreign Ministry.

At the German war graves, ambassador Irene Plank’s address included delivery of the declaration of commemoration in the Bundestag on November 11. At the Italian graves, the ceremony included recitation of the Prayer of the Soldier, and at the French graves, commemorations included Bulgarian pupils reading out letters that had been sent home by French soldiers at the time of the First World War. Fr Patrick also led religious observances at the German and Italian graves.

The day before, on November 10, a Remembrance Sunday service was held in the British War Graves section of Plovdiv Central Ceremony.

(Photos: Clive Leviev-Sawyer)