The identification insignia of the National Guards Unit of Bulgaria

The National Guards Unit of Bulgaria is successor of the Personal Cavalry Convoy of knyaz Alexander I, founded in 1879, when on July 12 the guards escorted the Bulgarian knyaz for the first time. That's why 12 July is the official holiday of the National guard unit. Throughout the years the structure of the guards has changed from convoy to squadron, regiment and after 1942 - division. Today it includes military units for army salute and wind orchestra and the guardsmen have changed their arms from cavalry to infantry.

In 2001 the National Guards Unit was approved for official military unit of the Bulgarian Army and one of the symbols of the state authority along with the flag, the coat of arms and the national anthem.

This is the only military structure responsible for the realization of its main functions with the spiritual aspects of the national cause, highlighted in the Conception for national security and the military doctrine of the Republic of Bulgaria. The mission of the National Guards Unit is not just to represent the military traditions and rituals, but also to be center for their revival and enrichment in order to preserve and approve the national identity.

The National Guards Unit has its own war flag, seal, distinctive insignia and uniform. The Guards' uniform was created in 1883 and includes elements of Bulgarian national traditions and symbols. The current insignia was introduced in 2002 and concists of Alexander star, which is part of the royal medal "St. Alexander" and is worn on the Duards' hat since 1883. It is placed over a shield in colours of the Flag of Bulgaria. The newest war flag, which follows the pattern of the traditional Bulgarian war flags, dates from July 12, 2003.

In 2003 in the eve of 6 May or St George's Day, the biggest Bulgarian military holiday, the Bulgarians see for the first time the solemn show-ceremony "Iskra" ("Sparkle"). This performance is combination of spectacular demonstration of non-standard combatant positions, movement with and without weapon and saluting battle flags and the heroes, who gave their lives for the freedom and independence of Bulgaria. The ritual "Solemn change of the honorary sentry in front of the Presidency" was first shown on November 5, 2003.

[edit] Gallery

G. Obretenov with typical 19th century Bulgarian revolutionary uniform, prototype of the National Guards' uniform, c. 1876	Bulgarian Life Guards Cavalry Squadron, c. 1896	Officers of Bulgarian Life Guards Squadron, 1903	Officer of Bulgarian Life Guards Cavalry Squadron, c. 1908
Officer's Uniform	Serviceman's Uniform	Bastille Day 2007 in Paris

[edit] See also

• Coat of arms of Bulgaria
• Flag of Bulgaria
• Mila Rodino
• List of army units called Guards for other guard units.

[edit] External links

• Official site of National Guards Unit.
• Rules of the National Guards Unit, passed on May 22, 2001. (Bulgarian)
• "Дълг, чест и гвардейска душа", article in "Български войн" magazine, number 7, 2004. (Bulgarian)
• "За честта и славата на родината" - в навечерието на Трети март", article in "Българска армия" newspaper, number 16310, March 3, 2006. (Bulgarian)
• "Традицията се отстоява всеки ден", article in "Български войн" magazine, number 7-8, 2007. (Bulgarian)