Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev has addressed the nation at the official celebrations of Liberation Day Saturday evening.

On March 3 Bulgarians celebrate the end of the 1877-8 Russo-Turkish war, which led to the liberation of the country from a 5-century rule by the Ottoman Empire.

"Liberation is the dream come-true of the Bulgarian Revival. Today we not only bow to the victims, but we realize that we are obliged to work to fulfill their hopes, to find ways to lead us to the dream of pure and sacred Republic in the interest of citizens. Education, spirituality, consistency, and a clear vision – this is what we need in order to realize the future of a strong Mother Bulgaria," the President said.

The sacred national colors and flags were brought out on the square in front of the building of the Bulgarian Parliament Saturday evening where the fireworks and the military roll-call ceremony were held. Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Tsetska Tsacheva, politicians, diplomats, representatives of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, and many citizens were present.

The President is also giving a reception at his office building later to mark the national holiday.

"The first spark was the legendary "History of Slavs and Bulgarians," written 250 year ago by the modes monk Paisiy Hilendarski which woke up fellow countrymen and women for a new life," he pointed out.

Plevneliev outlined four ways through which Bulgaria achieved liberation and independence: creation and strengthening of Bulgarian education; the fight for religious and spiritual freedom, the sacrifice and heroism of the heroes of the National Revival, and the building of the newly-liberated country as a modern State.