In recent years, it has become fashionable and politically correct to destroy monuments or desecrate them with inscriptions and graffiti. This is assessed as evidence of Euro-Atlantic loyalty and a “bold“ confrontation with Russia. Brainwashing continues in full force. It does not matter whether what is being asserted is true. It operates on the principle “Why is this person the enemy? - Because I said so“.
Wars are constantly being waged in different parts of the world, which are usually in the name of peace. Each of the warring parties has its own moral motivation, consolidating the two warring entities. In recent years in Europe, respectively in Bulgaria, the processes have been more than impressive. In the Ukrainian case, NATO and the European Union are not formally at war, but they are suffering great losses in economic, military-technical, financial, energy and social terms. The European policy of the United States is purposefully and consistently destroying its long-standing competitor Europe. In parallel, a sustainable policy is being implemented to replace the true history. In Bulgaria, a kind of culmination of this process was the barbaric destruction of the monument to the Soviet Army in the center of Sofia. In recent days, another monument has also been attacked, the sanctity of which is predetermined by the victims in whose honor it was erected. This is the Doctor's Monument, which was built in memory of the military medics who died in the Russian-Turkish liberation war of 1877-1878 - doctors, pharmacists, veterinarians and paramedics. The names carved on the monument include the surnames of Russians, Ukrainians, Lithuanians, Poles and other nationalities from the Russian Empire, as well as Bulgarians from the militia. The history of the monument is impressive.
At the initiative of Russian military medics, Emperor Alexander II by decree allowed medics, soldiers and officers to raise money to build a monument in the Bulgarian capital. Completed in April 1884, it is one of the first monuments in the world dedicated to fallen military medics. The Doctor's Monument is a shrine, but also a triumph of humanism. It is a unique example of upbringing in selflessness and protection of public and national interests.
Politically correct rhetoric goes hand in hand with financially motivated actions. There is no other way to evaluate the inscription in English “Pls, stop the war” on one of the sides of the Doctor's Monument. This appeal immediately places any negative reaction to this action in the predictable group of Russophiles and supporters of the dictator Putin. This is the easiest and most convenient way. However, the problem lies in the place where this inscription appears. The holy of holies of every war are the medical workers. They save lives, sometimes losing their own. The doctor's monument is vivid evidence of a feat in the name of life - the future of the liberated Bulgarians. Apparently, those who committed this sacrilegious act do not know history, have no morality, cannot appreciate the feat, and besides, they must fulfill the task for which they are paid.
The encroachment on any monument is an encroachment on historical memory and an attempt to destroy the truth about past events. Each monument is part of the corresponding historical era. The destruction and desecration of historical monuments is a sign of weakness. Attempts are constantly being made, but while words like family, homeland, memory and traditions are filled with content, scribbles on monuments and buildings will not help with the main task - ignorance, fear and dependence. Monuments are the material heritage of memory and are interconnected with peace.
Prof. Dr. Nina Dyulgerova