: On May 9, 1877 , Mihail Kogălniceanu declared Romania's independence in the Chamber of Deputies, stating, "We are independent, we are a self-governing nation."
The phrase became a symbol of national sacrifice and has been immortalized in several ways: Pentru Patrie (Razboiul Independentei)
: The war was one of the first in the region to be extensively documented by artists and war correspondents . Figures like Carol Popp de Szathmári and Nicolae Grigorescu (who painted the famous Attack at Smârdan ) captured the reality of the trenches and the bravery of the soldiers . : On May 9, 1877 , Mihail Kogălniceanu
: Directed by Sergiu Nicolaescu , the epic film Pentru Patrie was produced to commemorate the centennial of the war. It provides a cinematic portrayal of the major battles (Grivița, Plevna) and the political maneuvers of the time. It provides a cinematic portrayal of the major
