Sangamon Sun

State Rep. Bill Hauter (R-Morton) welcomed the Bulgarian delegation to Illinois and marked Bulgarian heritage month on March 3.

The Illinois House shared Hauter's welcome to the Consul General to the Illinois House chamber for Bulgarian-American Heritage Month.

"I would also like to just welcome the Bulgarian delegation that is here and join the leader in welcoming them to our country," Hauter said.

According to the BBC, Bulgaria has been a free country for less than 150 years.

The 145th anniversary of Bulgaria's liberation from Russia and Turkey was celebrated on March 3. The agreement which officially separated Bulgaria was the Treaty of San Stefano. By the end of their war from 1877-78, the opposing countries, Russia and Turkey signed the treaty which distinguished Bulgaria as an autonomous country.

According to the Illinois General Assembly website, the House Resolution declaring March as Bulgarian American Heritage Month was submitted by Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Belleville) in January. The last action was taken on March 9 when it was sent to the Calendar Order of Resolutions.

In the Senate, Senate Resolution SR009 “Congratulates the people of the Republic of Bulgaria as they celebrate the 145th anniversary of their liberation on March 3, 2023. It declares March 2023 Bulgarian American Heritage Month in the State of Illinois. The resolution was filed with the Secretary on Feb. 23 and assigned to the State Government on March 7 as its last action taken.

Hauter said that he was especially grateful to welcome Bulgaria as he has traveled there and experienced its beauty.

"This is special to me because 13 years ago, my wife and I adopted our fifth child from Bulgaria," Hauter said. "I was able to travel there multiple times and see this wonderful and beautiful country. Thank you again for being here. Thank you."