BUCHAREST, Romania - A brisk breeze tousled hair and rustled meticulously pressed clothes, yet the Romanian and American military officials stood unfazed side-by-side at the position of attention, united for a day of remembrance and reflection upon their strong history and alliance.
Soldiers with 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, joined their allies for the Romanian Unified Land Forces Anniversary Celebration at Tineretului Park, Bucharest, April 22. The remembrance ceremony for the main component of the Romanian Armed Forces fell just one day before St. George's Day, the day in honor of the patron saint of mounted warriors, revered by both the Romanian culture and the United States Armed Forces.
"The day of St. George, or Stantul Gheorghe in Romanian, is similar to Memorial Day back in the States," said Lt. Col. Theodore A. Johnson, squadron commander of 2/2 CR, and a native of Fairfax, Va. "Participating in today's ceremony shows our support and commitment to the Romanian Land Forces and the Romanian community at large."
On rotation from military installations and units around the world, soldiers have joined their Romanian brothers-and-sisters-in-arms, including veterans past and present, forming a united front for Operation Atlantic Resolve. This unification demonstrates strength of NATO and Europe partners in the face of aggression from any outside force.
"The alliance between the United States and the Romanian Army was strong before we arrived, and this rotation reinforces that strong bond," said Johnson. "This is a long-term relationship that goes beyond our rotation."
The mission of the Romanian Unified Land Forces, which states that they 'must be ready to conduct operations and defensive or offensive battles, for capture or destruction of the invading enemy, being part of national or multinational military structures', coincides with the purpose of Operation Atlantic Resolve. This highly trained united front stands together, ready to support their shared goal.
Romanian military officials in attendance at the anniversary celebration included the Romanian Minister of Defense, Mircea Dusa, and the Romanian Land Forces Chief, Maj. Gen. Dumitru Scarlat. Both officials devoted their time to spoke at the celebration, expression their appreciation for the selfless dedication of all involved, both active duty and veterans.
"The veterans are the reason we are free today," said Maj. Gen. Dumitru Scarlat, the Romanian Land Forces Chief, a native of Dambovita county, Romania. "Before every activity we honor the veterans."
The anniversary celebration commenced with the members of the Romanian and United States Armed Forces shaking hands and conversing, prolonging the moment of unity and celebration. However, the cohesion between the two forces will prove to be a lasting one.
"The United States is our strategic partner, and has assisted us in our missions in the operation theaters, and as a result losses have been eliminated," said Scarlat. "This alliance is very important to us."
| Date Taken: | 04.23.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 04.23.2015 12:54 |
| Story ID: | 160986 |
| Location: | RO |
| Hometown: | FAIRFAX, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 81 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Working Together, Celebrating Together for a Rich History and a United Front, by SPC Jacqueline Dowland, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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