Thousands of people gathered on Independence Day, August 27, in the Great National Assembly Square to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. They sang and danced the traditional round-dance hora alongside the folkloric ensembles invited to the holiday, while balloons of the colors of the Tricolor filled the sky, Info-Prim Neo reports. The holiday began with President Nicolae Timofti, Speaker Marian Lupu and Prime Minister Vlad Filat laying of flowers at the monument of Stephen the Great, where the ceremony was opened. Members of the Cabinet and MPs, including some Communists from the opposition, also came to lay flowers. Nicolae Timofti said in his speech that this day marked 21 years since the will of the people broke the country away from an empire and declared it independent, an act consecrated by the Great National Assembly and by the Parliament of the Republic. “As President, I will make use of all my legal competences to determine the state institutions to carry out the economic and institutional reforms we started, which will generate well-being and stability”, said the President. Marian Lupu told the press that at the 21st anniversary of Independence, one could witness that a national and state conscience formed within society, which “assures us of our country’s eternal existence”. Vlad Filat declared in an official message that one could certainly say that Moldova occupied its place among the democratic countries of the world. “Nonetheless, we must admit we still have to work to achieve the goals we have set. Moldova chose the European path and this goal is supported by both citizens and the country’s foreign partners”, reads the message. During the day and until late in the evening, singers and ensembles renowned in the country and abroad performed in the Great National Assembly Square. Moreover, an exhibition of sport and retro cars was organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sport and by the Motoring Federation. At 10 PM, Prime Minister Vlad Filat congratulated the Moldovans on the occasion of the 21st anniversary of Independence. “21 years in which were united and together took on all the challengers. I have immense confidence in the people of my country. I have immense confidence in the future of my country”, he declared. After his message, a fireworks show followed and a concert of Geta Burlacu & Stefanet Marcel Orchestra.  President Nicolae Timofti held a festive dinner.