On June 8th, 2018, Ambassador Tihomir Stoytchev took part in the traditional MacGahan festival in New Lexington, Ohio, in honor of the American journalist and military correspondent Januarius MacGahan. The program began with a memorial service at MacGahan’s grave officiated by Father Vladimir Bakardzhiev of “Saint Thomas” Eastern Orthodox Church. The Knights of Columbus were also present. 
After the service an official ceremony at the MacGahan monument took place. The Bulgarian Ambassador awarded the Golden Laurel Bough award – the highest distinction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – to Januarius MacGahan (posthumously) for his contribution to informing the European public about the atrocities during the suppression of the April uprising in 1876 and on the occasion of the 140th anniversary of the Liberation of Bulgaria. The award was accepted by Mr. Frederick MacGahan, one of MacGahan’s heirs.
The Golden Laurel Bough award was also awarded to Mrs. Carma Jean Rausch and Mrs. Barbara Lee Mooney for their active contribution to the MacGahan Foundation and for organizing the annual festival for 40 years.