National Guard Unit of Bulgaria

The National Guard Unit of the Republic of Bulgaria was established on July 12 1879 as a personal guard unit of prince Alexander I Batenberg. On this day, the first official escort of the Bulgarian prince was made. Through the years, the structure of this unit underwent different changes – from a conduct of the prince, it was transformed into a squadron, regiment, and in 1942 – division. By a decree of Bulgaria’s Council of Ministers dated May 14 2001, the National Guard Unit was officially proclaimed representative military formation of the Bulgarian army and is currently one of the symbols of the state authority, the others being the national flag, the state emblem and our country’s anthem. The unit includes saluting army units, representative national guard band, as well as an artillery division “Salute”. This army unit has its own flag, seal, distinctive mark and uniform. The guards’ uniform was created in 1883 and includes elements, symbolical of the Bulgarian nation. Though undergoing some changes through the years, two of the symbols in the uniform have remained unchanged: the eagle’s feather on each of the guard’s cap, as well as the Alexander star.