: 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."
: 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. Pentru Patrie (Razboiul Independentei)
: The conflict is viewed as the "baptism of fire" for the modern Romanian state, transforming it from a vassal principality into a sovereign kingdom (proclaimed in 1881). (PDF) Scrisori din timpul Războiului pentru Independență : On May 9, 1877 , Mihail Kogălniceanu
: 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
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.