The Ministry of National Defence organizes military and religious ceremonies to markHeroes` Day, on Thursday May 21.

Wreath-laying ceremonies will be organized at the Israeli Cemetery Filantropia, at10.00 and at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Carol Park, at the Monument ofMilitary Heroes who fell on duty in theaters of operations and at home, at the NationalPalace of Children, the Monument of Homeland Heroes - Carol I National DefenceUniversity and Ghencea Military Cemetery, at 12.00.

Similar wreath-laying ceremonies will be organized in county municipalities andlocalities that host military units.

According to Government Decision HG No. 309/2015, bells will be rung in all churchesas a token of respect for homeland`s heroes, whereas a moment of recollection will beheld at 12.00 in public institutions and schools, as homage for our national heroes.

The commemoration will begin after the mass for Ascension Day.

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Homage paid to homeland`s heroes originates back to WW1 when, by signing the peaceagreements of Paris (1919-1920), our country succeeded in getting internationalrecognition for a national dream, Greater Romania. This national accomplishment waspossible due to the sacrifice of about 330.000 troops who fell during the battles of thefirst great world conflagration.

As a token of recognition for their sacrifice, Decree Law No. 1.693 of May 4, 1920,stipulated that Heroes` Day be national holiday, celebrated with great religious, school,military and national pomp on Ascension Day (the 40th day from Easter).

The decision was taken over by the Romanian Parliament in 1995 whereas in 2003, theLaw on war monuments and commemorative works sets that Ascension Day be a nationalholiday of the Romanian people.

MoND Press Office