As every year, so in 1937, the club had prepared its program for the solemn celebration of Botev’s Day. One of the important points in the program was to carry soil and roses from the Rose Valley from Hristo Botev’s birthplace in Kalofer to be placed at his monument on the club field. The finger and roses had to be carried in a sportive manner by runners with such timing that they would arrive just in time for the Divine Liturgy to begin at the memorial.
In order for this to take place we had to organize runners not only from the club, but from all the villages on and around the road from Kalofer to Plovdiv. From all the villages youngsters jealously responded to the club’s invitation, and all took their places at the appointed time, awaiting their fellow runners from the direction of Kalofer. On the grey road that winds like a snake through the valleys and hills from the town of Kalofer to the town of Plovdiv runners, straining with all their strength, carrying the finger and the roses, passed from post to post to runners to take them to the monument on the club field.
On the field, all club members, clergy, officials, and citizens are around the monument waiting for the runners. The hour is approaching. All are in an excited state. Everyone wonders, will the runners arrive on time, will the runners from the village complete their task…? The distance is not small? The Post is now reporting – the runners are arriving! Excitement and joy appeared on everyone’s faces. Here they are stoned and sweaty from the fast run straining their last strength. Loud as if on command, hurrah is torn from all throats…
The monument is strewn with roses from the Rose Valley, the earth is placed in its foundations, to heaven the clergy address a divine prayer, and the broad inspired stone forehead of Hristo Botev glows and sprinkles dazzling rays from the shining sun, with an image proud and majestic. Thus the name of Hristo Botev united the efforts of the young people from towns and villages who arrived in a mad dash to worship at his monument.
