Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy solemnly marked the birth anniversary of the poet and sailor Nikola Yonkov Vaptsarov. The ceremony was kindly attended by: Mr Stoyan Pasev – governor of the province of Varna, Mr Kosta Bazitov – deputy mayor of the city of Varna, Mr Todor Balabanov – speaker of the city council, the Rev. Zhivko Georgiev, Commodore Nikola Karanov – deputy commander of the Navy, Professor Krasimir Ivanov – rector of the Medical University, as well as representatives of the local government and the maritime business.

The celebration started with a speech by the rector of the Naval Academy, Commodore Prof. DSc Boyan Mednikarov. He highlighted some details from the poet’s life related to his training as a machinist. Commodore Mednikarov quoted an excerpt from a letter by Vaptsarov where he wrote, “Know that the maritime school gives the most solid knowledge of all the other technical schools in Bulgaria…”, and pointed out that it is the moral duty of all alumni of the Academy to do their best so that these words hold true.

The attendees were greeted by Commodore Nikola Karanov, who wished them professional and personal success. The representatives of different institutions, maritime associations and organisations paid their respect to the poet with wreaths and flowers in his memory. The poet’s niece, Ms Maya Vaptsarova, with a lyrical speech thanked the rector of the Naval Academy for his efforts to keep it in its position as leader of maritime education in Bulgaria.

The end of the ceremony was marked by a recitation by Konstantina Georgieva, winner of the special prize from the recently held Vaptsarov Days competition.