National Day, celebrated in Romania and abroad
Romanians everywhere celebrated National Day on December 1
Daniela Budu, 02.12.2021, 14:00
On the 1st December 1918, in Alba Iulia,
central Romania, Transylvania joined the Kingdom of Romania, and that day is
now celebrated by all Romanians as National Day.
More than a century later, Romanians everywhere marked
their National Day amid restrictions entailed by the coronavirus pandemic. In his
address, president Klaus Iohannis said the country’s main goals are democracy, a
future within the EU and strengthening the rule of law, so as to produce prosperity
for all citizens. We are celebrating National Day at a time of suffering and concern.
The COVID-19 pandemic is still the painful reality of our times, said Klaus
Iohannis, but he also sent a message of encouragement, respect and gratitude:
Klaus Iohannis: The lesson of solidarity is more useful and timely than
ever. History has proved, time and again, that united we can adapt to any trends
and occurrences and that overcoming all challenges depends on our determination,
as a nation. Just like in so many other critical moments in our past, we have today
the necessary resources, the right instruments and the will to succeed. So I urge
you all to look ahead with hope!
In Bucharest, some 1,500 troops and over 100 vehicles
took part in the traditional military parade at the Arch of Triumph, while
around 30 military aircraft flew over the city. It was the second parade since
the pandemic broke out, but the first that the public were able to attend.
Thousands also attended the military parade in Alba
Iulia, in which over 500 troops, accompanied by land and air combat equipment,
took part. The ceremonies continued with folklore performances and a drone show.
In Timișoara (west), National Day was celebrated with
a military and religious ceremony, followed by a brief march by the Guard of
Honour.
On the National Day of Romania, we thank you for your
friendship and for all the good things we have done and will do together in the
future, the president of the neighbouring Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu said
in a message.
Celebrations were organised around the world, either
by Romania’s diplomatic offices abroad or by Romanian communities. In Israel, National
Day was marked in Tel Aviv by Romanian and Israeli officials, who praised the
bilateral relations and the growing cooperation between the 2 countries.
The Romanian
Embassy in Italy organised a concert in the presence of over 600 Romanian and
Italian politicians, diplomats, and other participants. Romania’s National Day reminds
us, first and foremost, of the will of our forefathers, of our cultural,
political and diplomatic elites, to fight for the ideal of national unity, the
Ambassador of Romania to London, Laura Popescu, said in turn in a message to
all Romanians. (tr. A.M. Popescu)
