The Custodian of the Crown, Her Majesty Margareta, and Prince Radu received, on Wednesday, at the Elisabeta Palace, the military participating in the Veterans' Relay.

'It is a wonderful tradition, which, in twelve years, has proven how much Romanian society needs your example. In these twelve years, our part of the world has faced a difficult pandemic, a war that has not yet ended, and a turning of the world's eyes towards Romania and Southeast Europe, towards the Republic of Moldova, towards Ukraine, more than ever in our contemporary history. I believe that never, in democratic times, has it been clearer that your profession sets an exceptional and unique example for Romanian society,' said Prince Radu Radu.

The Prince highlighted that, through what they do, the Invictus soldiers extend a hand to civil society.

'Not only the fact that you remember the heroes of the past and that you pay homage to those of today, but also the fact that, through what you do, you give a hand to civil society so beautifully extended by the military being of our nation, that it was impossible for the Royal Family not to support you, because the purpose of the Royal Family is to make the connection between all the smaller or larger families that make up our nation. Just as the kings and queens of Romania stood by the Army, from day one, until today, so too have they stood by the professions in civil society and have campaigned throughout all generations for Romania to become a democratic and free country facing Europe and transatlantic values,' added Prince Radu.

On behalf of the Invictus military, Cosmin Popa addressed a word to the Royal Family.

'During the 25 days, we will carry from heart to heart the message that guides us this year: 'United, we will conquer any obstacle!'. The mission entrusted to us will be fulfilled with devotion and honor, as we have done every time. May God help us!', said Cosmin Popa.

The Veterans' Relay, the largest education and volunteer project dedicated to the memory of heroes and the support of soldiers injured in military actions, missions and operations, an event in its 12th edition this year, began on Wednesday, in Bucharest.

Initiated in 2014 by Invictus Romania volunteers, the Veterans Relay has become a national tradition that, year after year, brings together hundreds of volunteers - active and reserve military personnel, athletes, young people, teachers, entire families - around a symbolic mission: carrying the National Flag, running or cycling, from the Capital to Carei, the place where, on October 25, 1944, the liberation of the national territory in World War II ended.

This year, the relay is taking place simultaneously on three symbolic routes - Blue, Yellow and Red - crossing the country from the south through the west, center and east, reaching all counties and stopping at the monuments of local heroes.

Throughout October, teams of volunteers will bring the Flag to each community, transforming the run into a living message about respect, memory, and unity.

The event will end on October 25, Romanian Army Day, at the Romanian Soldier Monument in Carei, with a solemn moment of gratitude for the heroes who fought for our freedom.

The Invictus volunteers are supported, as every year, by central and local authorities, including the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Along the entire route, the participants will be accompanied by military police crews.

The Invictus Volunteers Association is under the High Patronage of Prince Radu.AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Daniel Popescu, editing by: Claudia Stanescu; EN - writing by: Catalin Cristian Trandafir)