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Mon, Sep 06 2010
Bulgarian Cabinet to vote on proposal for Bodyguard Day
Photo: Nadezhda Chipeva
Bulgaria could have a new official holiday, with the Government set to declare November 11 as the day of the bodyguards and security personnel.
Reportedly, the proposal was put forward by Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov and was on the agenda of the Cabinet on February 3 2010. If approved, the holiday would join a long list of similar "professional" holidays in Bulgaria, but would not be a public holiday.
According to official statistics, there are about 60 000 people in Bulgaria employed in the private security business, with about 1150 security firms now active on the market. Furthermore, there are about 55 000 people employed by the country's Interior Ministry.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Boiko Borissov served as a bodyguard to the country's communist dictator, Todor Zhivkov.
Elsewhere, November 11 is celebrated as the Saint Menas (or Minas), Victor and Vicentius. As such it is celebrated for everyone named Victor or Victoria.
St Menas was a martyr under Emperor Diocletian, born about 295, who, defending his Christian beliefs, but was eventually scourged, tortured and finally beheaded. His body was brought to Egypt and the martyr was soon invoked in many needs and afflictions. The fame of the miracles spread far and thousands of pilgrims came to his grave.
November 11 is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, particularly countries who fought in World War 1, as the date is also the anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended the war.
Reportedly, the proposal was put forward by Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov and was on the agenda of the Cabinet on February 3 2010. If approved, the holiday would join a long list of similar "professional" holidays in Bulgaria, but would not be a public holiday.
According to official statistics, there are about 60 000 people in Bulgaria employed in the private security business, with about 1150 security firms now active on the market. Furthermore, there are about 55 000 people employed by the country's Interior Ministry.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Boiko Borissov served as a bodyguard to the country's communist dictator, Todor Zhivkov.
Elsewhere, November 11 is celebrated as the Saint Menas (or Minas), Victor and Vicentius. As such it is celebrated for everyone named Victor or Victoria.
St Menas was a martyr under Emperor Diocletian, born about 295, who, defending his Christian beliefs, but was eventually scourged, tortured and finally beheaded. His body was brought to Egypt and the martyr was soon invoked in many needs and afflictions. The fame of the miracles spread far and thousands of pilgrims came to his grave.
November 11 is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, particularly countries who fought in World War 1, as the date is also the anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended the war.
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This confirms to me that Bulgarians really do their best to find a reason to have something to celebrate. Think of some more things to celebrate and there will be no working days left. the funny thing is that most official "holidays" during the working week need to be caught up during the weekends.
"Do something more than just complaint, go to Bulgaria and get rid of those corrupted politicians."
Even this is a meaningless cliche.
Get rid of what politicians? The ones we just elected? Sorry but our politicians reflect the majority. At least we in BG change our governments with every election. That speaks of very healthy democratic instinct, so changing politicians isn't the problem here. The problem is cultural and every collective culture is a product of collective experiences.
After 45 years hard core, externally imposed Commie dictatorship, BG [...]
Read the full comment went through very rough transition dominated by war and embargo to our west and natural geographical connection with western Europe - Yugoslavia. You have to understand what embargo and transition mean - unchecked rise of the criminal element, transforming its self into criminal elite, through smuggling and other types of illicit activities.
Is it surprising that bodyguards matter? Those who are ashamed, are weaklings with hyper sensitive provincial insecurity and lack of historical perspective - you find them now and then...
For those who said they are ashamed to be Bulgarian just because Bulgaria is celebrating the day of the Bodyguards - all I can say is - What are you doing to contribute to the betterment of Bulgaria? Just complaint! Is that what you guys are doing? just complaint? Do something more than just complaint, go to Bulgaria and get rid of those corrupted politicians.
So, do the bodyguards get to take the day off? That might make matters interesting.
This comment has been removed by the moderator because it contained foul, abusive or discriminating language
"Another reason that i feel utterly ashamed to be Bulgarian."
OK from now on, we'll consider you Nicaraguan... that better?
Philipe:
"And btw, November 11th is the day that a big part of Europe mourns in memory of the 35.000.000 casualties during the first World War. Young man that gave their life in order to save Europe from nationalism and autoritarian aristocrat powers."
No my Mexican friend,
The war was won by the UK and Italy among others - both monarchies. I would make November 11 the "Dog Catcher's Day".. not that they've done much in BG, but it would be a fitting replacement for the Armistice Day, [...]
Read the full comment as the end of that war was the biggest European catastrophe, and the nucleus for the next and bigger WWII.
It was also a national disaster for BG. Anything related to dogs, would be nicer;)
Another reason that i feel utterly ashamed to be Bulgarian.
Poor sick Bulgaria... The fact that the country has so many bodygards, is only the confirmation of the fact that the criminals are everywhere, and of a failing police and justice. These bodyguards are the lowest part of the society. These people have no contribution at all to the society and Bulgaria's future. They are the visible part of the Heart of Darkness!
This minister Tsvetanov is totaly insane!
And btw, November 11th is the day that a big part of Europe mourns in memory of the 35.000.000 casualties during the first [...]
Read the full comment World War. Young man that gave their life in order to save Europe from nationalism and autoritarian aristocrat powers.
And on that same day, Mr. Tsvetanov will honor some fatnecks in suits, people that wear 9 mm guns under their jacket in order to protect a criminal boss? Job positions that should be nonexistant if his police and justice did their work in a correct way!
In our countries, around November 11th, we teach our children John Mc Crae's poem, in order to give them values for the rest of their lives:
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Mr. Tsvetanov will teach Bulgaria's children another lesson: bodyguards as honoured hero's. SHAME!
Maybe the Minister of Culture can produce a simular poem to honor bodyguards.
(maybe a forum member has some inspiration...)
Anyway, when this proposal passes parliament, I shall personally send the text from the State Gazette to the leading world newspapers. Mr. Tsvetanov can be sure he wil make it to some frontpages!
Wow- BG day in BG- only in BG would something so awesome like BG day be created by awesome BGians
Strange idea for a bodygruads's day. Because of the proliferation of such "holidays" no one takes them seriously. Also, while I have nothing against bodyguards, it is a bad idea to choose the day when most of Europe remembers the World War I
I have a feeling the UK papers will be picking up this story and I really don't think that the tone will be positive.
Borissov might go down well in the horemag but as recent events have shown he has very little sense when it comes to presenting Bulgaria abroad.
Despite a promising start, he is already a far greater liability than either of the previous two prime ministers, neither of them masters of the international scene.