Today, the tribute to Levski is not just a historical memory, but a moral guideline, said Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev in a speech at the ceremony commemorating the 153rd anniversary of the death of the Apostle of Freedom in the capital, BTA reports. “We are celebrating 153 years since the death of Vasil Levski - the Apostle of Freedom, who turned his personal sacrifice into a national ideal. There are individuals who are born in a time of fear, pressure and compromise. They refuse to accept such a time as the norm – "that's Levski," Terziev added.
He explained that in a historical period marked by uncertainty and limitations, Levski does not choose the comfort of silence, does not wait for a more appropriate moment and does not look for excuses. "He confronts the thinking that nothing depends on us and proves that change begins with personal choice. He takes the most difficult path - that of responsibility and action. To have a backbone when many around you are broken," the mayor of Sofia said.
Such an idea, supported by a clear vision and selfless dedication, turns into a fight for independence, Terziev also pointed out and added that freedom is not born of compromises, but of character.
Honor to Levski, according to the mayor, means defending legality, justice and the public interest, finding strength for difficult but correct decisions. Not to succumb to fear and petty battles for power that distance us from justice, Terziev also said.
In his words, Levski remains the most beloved Bulgarian hero because he remains true to his ideas until the end – without personal gain and fear of the price. His example reminds him that freedom is not given and is not guaranteed from the outside. It starts from the inside – with the refusal to reconcile, said Terziev.
No matter how many words we speak today, the most important question remains - how high a price we are willing to pay to follow his covenant, the mayor pointed out.
Freedom is not a given and is defended every day with personal responsibility, and if we are not ready to bear the burden of freedom, we have no right to pronounce the name of the Apostle, the mayor of Sofia concluded his speech.