Message from the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, on National Anthem Day

Today we celebrate 176 years of the National Anthem, one of the founding symbols of our nation.

Andrei Muresanu's mobilizing lyrics and the vibrant energy of Anton Pann's music have made "Desteapta-te, romane!" to become part of our national identity and a message of freedom that Romanians have proudly and courageously conveyed at crucial moments of the Romanian state, from the Patriotic Revolution, the proclamation of independence, the Great Union, to the fall of the communist regime.

The anthem expresses the unity of our nation and defines not only the significant moments in history, but above all the fulfillment of the high ideals we have set ourselves over time - ensuring freedom and sovereignty, establishing democracy and the rule of law, Romania's membership of the European Union and NATO.

Anthem Day is a good occasion to remember with gratitude our forefathers, who contributed to the creation of the national, unitary and independent Romanian state, but also to reaffirm the collective commitment of our generation to continue to develop Romania and to remain united and committed to our national goals.

Dear Romanians, may the singing of the National Anthem, today and always, bring the message of freedom back to our hearts, may it give us the strength to look to the future with hope and determination, so that we act responsibly and tirelessly to strengthen the Romanian state, to ensure the prosperity of our nation and to contribute to building a free and peaceful world.

Today, when we are facing great security challenges, I am convinced that the strengthening of cohesion around national symbols guides us to tenaciously pursue the realization of the high ideals of the Romanian nation, as highlighted in "Desteapta-te romane!"

Happy Birthday to the National Anthem!

Happy Birthday, Romania!

Translated by: Radu Matei