The National Anthem Day, an event organised by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) jointly with the Municipality and Prefecture of Bucharest, was celebrated yesterday in Capital’s Tricolor Square, in presence of several dozens of spectators. On this occasion, authorities rendered homage to heroes of the Romanian nation and to the Romanian Anthem. In his speech, Minister Gabriel Oprea referred to the signification of the national anthem: “The anthem bears the symbol of the Romanian Revolution of 1848 and reminds of the great statesmen who sacrificed themselves for our national ideals. (...) I am glad to say that, today, in all garrisons throughout the country, MoD servicemen participate in public ceremonies in celebration of the National Anthem Day, together with civilian citizens.”

July 29 was proclaimed as National Anthem Day in 1998 - “Wake Up, Romanian!” Forbidden by totalitarian regime for almost half a century, this patriotic song was chosen as National Anthem of Romania right after the Revolution of December 1989 and was endorsed by the 1991 Constitution.