U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers with the 415th Civil Affairs Battalion visited Sozopol, Bulgaria, on Dec. 6, 2021, to observe a local tradition.

Locals gather every year to celebrate St. Nicholas Day with a procession, wreath ceremony, and feast of traditional Bulgarian fish foods. St. Nicholas is the patron saint of fishermen and bankers. The wreaths are tossed into the Black Sea to honor those who lost their lives throughout the year.

The U.S. is honored to continue its long-term cooperation and cultural engagements with Bulgaria as a strategic ally that continues to demonstrate leadership from the Black Sea region to the Balkans region. The U.S. appreciates Bulgaria as a steadfast and gracious host to regionally-allocated forces at Novo Selo Training Area, which provides units with premier range facilities, contributing to overall combat readiness of U.S. and allied forces.

U.S. Soldiers currently serving in Bulgaria are doing so as part of Atlantic Resolve, which is evidence of the strong and unremitting U.S. commitment to NATO and Europe. Through bilateral, joint and multinational training, Atlantic Resolve builds readiness, increases interoperability, and enhances the bond between ally and partner militaries.

Learn more about Atlantic Resolve at: https://www.europeafrica.army.mil/AtlanticResolve/

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