Romania's National Day celebrated at SACT
By U.S. Navy Petty Officer Tyce A. Velde
ACT Public Information Office
December 1, 2005

NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Transformation Gen. Lance L. Smith, U.S. Air Force, presents Romanian Ambassador to the United States Mr. Sorin Ducaru a NATO nation flag plaque during ACT headquarter's Romanian National Day celebration held Thursday, Dec. 1. Photo by ACT Photo Lab.Click on photo for higher resolution image.

NORFOLK, Va. – Allied Command Transformation personnel, their families and members of the Hampton Roads community braved the cold weather today to celebrate Romania's first National Day ceremony at ACT headquarters since joining the Alliance in 2004.

December 1, 1918 marks the day the three Romanian provinces of Wallachia, Moldavia and Transylvania were united in the aftermath of World War I.

“The name of the country, Romania, was adopted in 1862, as a tribute to the Roman Empire heritage,” said Romanian Army Col. Constantin Raileanu, ACT's national liaison representative for Romania.  “We can positively ensure that Romania is the birthplace of the medieval prince Vlad the Impaler, the one who originally inspired the legends of Dracula.”

The Master of Ceremonies, U.K. Army Lt. Col. Stephen Turpin welcomed the staff and guests to the event, and introduced the new NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation U.S. Air Force Gen. Lance L. Smith, who presided over his first Flag Raising ceremony. Gen. Smith praised Romania's consistent commitment to NATO and the transformation underway at ACT.

“Romania joined the Partnership for Peace in 1994, just a few short years after shedding the yoke of communism,” he said.  “Ten years later, they became an active and important member of NATO.  They are undergoing an aggressive and well-planned restructuring process which will lead to full operational integration in NATO and the European Union within 10 years.”

Romania's Ambassador to the United States, Mr. Sorin Ducaru served as the ceremony's most honoured guest. 

“It is with great pride to say our soldiers are serving shoulder to shoulder with (other) Alliance soldiers, and just as importantly serving in this laboratory of transformation within the Alliance,” said Ambassador Ducaru.  “Romania has great confidence as we face challenges ahead and reflect on the progress of the past 16 years.  Our progress would not have been possible without the support of our North American and European friends.”

On behalf of ACT, Gen. Smith presented Ambassador Ducaru with a plaque containing all 26 NATO nation flags.  In addition, retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Gerald Riendeau presented him with a memento from the Hampton Roads Navy League.

At the close of the ceremony, the U.S. Atlantic Fleet Band played “Mihai Viteazul” by Tiberiu Olah in tribute to Romania.

For a photo gallery of the event, click here: