May 31, 2001 is the date on which by order of Bulgaria’s Minister of Defense one of the most popular military marches became the official anthem of the Bulgarian Army. The announcement took place solemnly, at a concert of a brass band composed of musicians from several groups on the square in front of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in central Sofia.
The war song "Great is Our Soldier" was created during the First World War. The melody was composed in 1916 near Lake Ohrid, by Mikhail Shekerdzhiev, a private in the 23rd Regiment of the 8th Tundzha Infantry Division. The lyrics were written by the journalist Lieutenant Konstantin Georgiev.
As of today, there is no holiday or celebration in the Bulgarian Army that goes without a performance of “Great is Our Soldier! Great is Our Soldier! Great, Great, Great!
Since 2001, May 31st has also been celebrated as the Day of Military Brass Bands. On this occasion, Radio Bulgaria brings you a recollection of the rich history of Bulgaria’s Guards Representative Brass Band - HERE.
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