Seven-meter long flag hoisted in front of Government Building

A tricolor that is 7 meters long and 3.5 meters high was raised in front of the Government Building on April 27, when Moldova marks the Flag Day. The flag was lifted by military men of the Guard of Honor on a new mast. The presidential orchestra played the state anthem, Info-Prim Neo reports. The ceremony was opened by students of the Chisinau-based National Choreography College, who presented a performance. Afterward, government officials gave speeches and the Metropolitan Bishop of Chisinau and all Moldova Vladimir blessed the flag. “I’m deeply touched when I see and feel a part of my country wherever I am,” said Prime Minister Vlad Filat. “Today’s event is not only a symbolic one. It is a new start for us all so that we begin to love our country and its citizens more. I’m confident that Moldova has a future because most of its people believe in it.” Moldova’s First President Mircea Snegur said that when the state symbols were adopted, the people’s wish to return to traditions was given priority. The commission entrusted with the task of designing the state symbols consisted of about 100 people of arts, scientists, jurists, ethnographers and other specialists. “The hoisting of bicolor flags and the intention to hold a referendum on changing Moldova’s European course are condemnable acts,” he stated. “The state flag, coat of arms, emblem and national currency are indispensable elements of sovereignty and statehood. Only four countries have the blue, yellow and red colors on their flags – Moldova, Romania, Andorra, and Chad. The flag with the coat of arms is the state flag of Moldova, while the flag without arms is the national flag,” said the authors of the coat of arms Gheorghe Vrabie. Hundreds of red, yellow and blue balloons and pigeons were released into the sky after the flag was raised. The Flag Day was instituted by Parliament on April 23, 2010. The tricolor was designated officially as the state flag on April 27, 1990 by the members of the first legislative body.