Happy National Day, Romania!

01. 12. 1918: HAPPY NATIONAL DAY, ROMANIA ! heart emoticon

On the 1st of December, we celebrate Romania’s National Day. Full of emotion and patriotic sensations, this event is truly important for all Romanians. On this day we remember the fact that we all belong to the same community, we share the same values and especially a common and eventful history which brought us together; in some sort, a common memory and a ’’vouloir-vivre ensemble’’ as French philosopher Renan calls it. December 1st 1918 was indeed the key event in Romania’s contemporary history since it was the moment when, after the First World War, the Union of Transylvania, Northern Bukovina and Bessarabia with Romania was declared. This was the moment when the modern state was born and Romania found the place it deserved on Europe’s map.

Nowadays, in a period characterized by a profound economical, social and identity crisis, it is crucial to remain attached to our origins, to remember where we were born, which were the values our ancestors died for. But at the same time we must remain curious and open to the world and also take advantage of the diversity of other cultures and of people different from us. Therefore, making a clear distinction between patriotism and nationalism is essential.

After a difficult period of more than 40 years of communism, Romania is now a state guided by the rule of law and market economy. Its democratic transition was not necessarily easy but Romania dealt with it properly, becoming a NATO member state in 2004 and an EU member state in 2007, always showing its desire of progress and improvement.

I cannot express in words the happiness and the pride I feel for being Romanian and at the same time a very open-minded and curious person! As a matter of fact, I have noticed that Romanians generally speaking are eager to discover new cultures, countries, horizons and above all learning foreign languages. Therefore, we expect other people to be interested in our country as well, a land full of veiled beauties, waiting for each of you to explore them! I have a dream: I want you all to come to Romania and discover by yourselves all its beautiful monuments, landscapes, well-preserved traditions, eventful history and warm people. After that, you will make your own objective opinion without being influenced by any other factor.

In this festive day, I cannot but wish all Romanians to be proud of our origins, to remain devoted to our country and attached to what should count for us the most  : remain essentially Romanians but at the same time a part of the international community, from which we’ve been constrained to stay away for so long.

I also take this opportunity to thank all those of you who have shown a real interest in following me while presenting you different photos, videos and articles about Romania’s genuine face. Your support and curiosity are essential for me and especially for Romania which is still waiting for you!

La mulţi ani, România !

Faithfully,
Alexandra Marinescu