The phrase became a symbol of national sacrifice and has been immortalized in several ways:
The war was part of a larger conflict known as the , which saw Romania fight alongside the Russian Empire to break free from Ottoman suzerainty. Pentru Patrie (Razboiul Independentei)
: 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
: The Romanian Army, led by Prince Carol I, crossed the Danube and played a decisive role in the Siege of Plevna (Bulgaria). Major battles occurred at the Grivița, Rahova, and Smârdan redoubts. "We are independent