A solemn session dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the proclamation of the independence of the Republic of Moldova will be held on August 26. The official, solemn and commemorative event will focus on historical memory, the contribution of those who took part in proclaiming independence, and the responsibility of today’s generations to strengthen the values for which the independent state was established, TRIBUNA reports.

The solemn session will bring together representatives of Parliament, the Presidency, the Government of the Republic of Moldova, as well as members of the “Parliament of Independence” Public Association. The event will take place in the historic hall of the Presidential building where, 35 years ago, the Declaration of Independence was voted.

The session will be attended by President Maia Sandu, Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu, members of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova and the Parliament of Independence, as well as members of the Government. Among the guests will be members of the Constitutional Court, representatives of state institutions, the diplomatic corps, academia 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 begin at 11:00 a.m.

As part of the event, a Book of Honor will be opened, allowing participants to record messages and reflections on the affirmation and consolidation of the Republic of Moldova’s independence over the past 35 years. The Book of Honor will subsequently be displayed at Parliament so that the general public can also leave messages. In particular, the children and grandchildren of the Declaration of Independence signatories, as well as participants in the Great National Assembly, are invited to contribute.

An exhibition dedicated to the founding moment of the independent Republic of Moldova will also be opened. The “Memory of Independence” exhibition will feature items from the collections of the Museum, Archive and Library of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, as well as holdings of the National Archives Agency. Visitors will be able to see archival photographs and period documents, books and works signed by deputies of the first Parliament, as well as objects and equipment used in parliamentary activities.

The solemn session will provide an opportunity to reflect on the Republic of Moldova’s journey over the 35 years since the proclamation of independence.