Defence Ministry celebrates NATO Day in Romania, Doors Open Day

The Ministry of National Defence celebrated by a military ceremony the NATO Day in Romania on Sunday, and also declared a Doors Open Day.

Photo credit: (c) Cristian NISTOR / AGERPRES ARCHIVE

Defence Minister Mircea Dusa, Romanian Army Chief of Staff General Nicolae Ciuca and other officials of the ministry attended the event.

The ceremony began with the raising of Romania's and NATO's flags and the performing of their respective anthems, followed by a minute of silence in memory of the soldiers fallen in the line of duty in the theatres of operations.

'NATO is an alliance of democratic values and of solidarity between its member states. Romania committed seriously to its full membership status in the most successful political and military alliance in human history; it understood, alongside the benefits resulting from this position, the obligations it successfully fulfils. OUr troops gained with guns in their hands the respect of their comrades in other armies and the appreciation of political leaders of allied countries,' Dusa declared; he mentioned the recent recognition by SACEUR Philip Breedlove, during a visit to Bucharest.

The battle flag of the Land Forces Staff was awarded the decoration of the General Staff in recognition of the professionalism proven by the military and civilian personnel in the responsible fulfilment of the missions entrusted to it.

Romania celebrates the NATO Day on the first Sunday of April since 2004. AGERPRES