The Union of the Romanian Principalities in 1859 represents a crucial moment in the history of the Romanian nation and a significant step towards the consolidation of national identity and unity. This event, in which Moldova and Wallachia united under the leadership of Alexandru Ioan Cuza, had profound consequences and contributed to shaping the modern Romanian state.
On the occasion of the 165th anniversary of the double election of Al. I. Cuza, the Golești Museum organized a cultural event that intertwined history with poetry and music. In his opening speech, Mr. Narcis Iustin Dejanu, the manager of the Golești Museum, welcomed the guests, officers, and students of the Military School for Military Masters and Non-Commissioned Officers of the Ground Forces “Basarab I” Pitești, members of the Association of Military Personnel in Reserve and Retirement “Basarab I” Pitești, the Choir of Veterans “Mihai Viteazu” from Pitești, and the Cultural Association “Rovine.”
Mr. Gerard Călin, Chief of the Open-Air and Ethnography Section, spoke about how the Union was accomplished, detailing the international context of the mid-19th century, the activities of the revolutionary and unionist generation in achieving this goal. The personalities of Prince Al. I. Cuza and his wife, Elena Cuza, were also highlighted. Ms. Cristina Boțoghină, Chief of the History-Pedagogy Section, presented the biography of Mrs. Elena Cuza, a woman of exemplary delicacy and loyalty to the country and her ruler. The collaboration and friendship between Mrs. E. Cuza and Anica Davila, the descendant of Dinicu Golescu, were recalled in their common effort to provide shelter and much-needed education to orphaned children.
Continuing the series of commemorations, Mr. Ion Catinca presented the flag of the Romanian army during Cuza’s time and the vibrant words the ruler addressed to the soldiers during its presentation to the fighting detachments. Other speakers included Dr. Vasile Munteanu, Professor Constantin Vărășcanu, Colonel (Retired) Ilie Stoica, and Warrant Officer (Retired) Andrei Ionescu.
On this occasion, artist Constantin Samoilă donated a work representing the Unification Ruler of 1859, executed in the metalworking technique, enriching the collection of portraits in the same style that have already become part of the institution’s heritage.
Representing the Military School for Military Masters and Non-Commissioned Officers of the Ground Forces “Basarab I” Pitești, Warrant Officer-Adjutant Principal Marian Burcea spoke about Al. I Cuza’s contribution to the development of the Romanian military school. The military school, now based in Pitești, was established in 1863 in Iași during Cuza’s reign.
The Choir of Veterans “Mihai Viteazu,” conducted by Mr. Nicolae Perniu, concluded the anniversary session by singing patriotic songs, including “On Our Flag, Union is Written.”
Such an anniversary moment could not end without a grand Union Hora, in the Golești Mansion’s rotunda, a tribute that the current generations pay to those who, with courage and determination, took the first step towards a modern and united Romania.
