Parliament to convene in solemn session marking 35th anniversary of proclamation of independence

On 26 August, Parliament will convene in a solemn session on the 35th anniversary of the proclamation of the Independence of the Republic of Moldova. The event will have an official, solemn and commemorative character, highlighting historical memory, the contribution of those who participated in the proclamation of independence, and the responsibility of today’s generations to consolidate the values for which the independent state was proclaimed.

The solemn session will be a joint meeting of representatives of Parliament, the Presidency, the Government of the Republic of Moldova, as well as of the Public Association “Parliament of Independence”. The event will take place in the historic hall of the Presidential building where, 35 years ago, the Declaration of Independence was adopted.

The session will be attended by President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu, Speaker Igor Grosu, members of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova and the Parliament of Independence, as well as Government members. Among the guests will be members of the Constitutional Court, representatives of state institutions, the diplomatic staff, the academic community and civil society, religious denominations and veterans, former officials, as well as representatives of the younger generation.

The solemn session will be moderated by Ioana Vatamanu-Mărgineanu, granddaughter of writer Ion Vatamanu and professor Ion Mărgineanu, both signatories of the Declaration of Independence. The event will start at 11:00.

During the session, a Book of Honor will be opened, in which participants will be able to write messages and reflections on the affirmation and consolidation of the independence of the Republic of Moldova over the past 35 years. Later, the Book of Honor will be displayed in Parliament, so that the public can also leave messages. In particular, those who preserve memories of that historic moment are invited to contribute – the children and grandchildren of the signatories of the Declaration of Independence, as well as participants in the Great National Assembly.

On this occasion, an exhibition dedicated to the founding moment of the independent state of the Republic of Moldova will also be opened. The exhibition Memory of Independence will bring together exhibits from the collections of the Museum, the Archive and the Library of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, as well as the holdings of the National Archives Agency. Visitors will be able to see archival photographs and historical documents, books and works signed by the deputies of the first Parliament, as well as objects and equipment used in parliamentary activity.

The Republic of Moldova proclaimed its independence on August 27, 1991, when Parliament adopted the Declaration of Independence. This year, the authorities are preparing a broad program of events in the center of Chișinău. The official ceremonies will begin in the morning with flower-laying ceremonies. At 08:30, officials will lay flowers at the Grieving Mother monument in the Eternity Memorial Complex, and at 09:30 the ceremony will continue at the monument to ruler Stefan cel Mare.

The central point of the festivities will take place in the Great National Assembly Square. At 16:30, a military parade will be organized, with the participation of over 2,000 soldiers and representatives of law enforcement and security structures. During the parade, more than 100 units of military and special equipment from the National Army and the Ministry of Internal Affairs will be showcased.

In the evening, starting at 18:00, a concert on Independence Day will take place in the Great National Assembly Square, with the participation of several local artists.