The professionalism, seriousness and dedication shown by the Romanian military during the international missions were „solid” arguments that contributed to Romania’s accession to NATO and the European Union and to raising the profile of our country at the regional and Euro-Atlantic level, president Klaus Iohannis emphasised on Monday, in a message sent on the Day of Veterans from the Theatres of Operations.

„November 11th is dedicated to the veterans of the Theatres of Operations, as a holiday with a special symbolism for the Romanian soldiers belonging to all the institutions of the national security system, who participated or are participating in missions in theatres of operations and crisis areas, where Romania is present alongside allies and partners. This is an occasion for us to show gratitude for the sacrifices they made far from home and family, in the service of Romania and the Romanian people,” said Iohannis, in the message presented by presidential advisor Ion Oprisor, during the ceremony organized at the Monument of Heroes fallen in the Theatres of Operations and on the Romanian territory, in Bucharest.

According to the head of state, those who lost their lives on foreign fronts are being commemorated on November 11th, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten, while their families will always find support in the Romanian society, in the Romanian Army and in the other institutions of the national security system.

„At the same time, we honour the heroes who fell in the great conflagrations in which Romania took part, as well as the veterans of the Second World War, who are with us. Everyone embodies the love of the country and the courage to fight under the tricolor, and our respect is fully owed to them,” Iohannis said.

He pointed out that, currently, Romania maintains its international commitments: „Today, Romania maintains its international commitments, having a solid and appreciated military presence in international missions under the auspices of NATO, the European Union, the UN or the coalition, as well as within multinational commands and allied battle groups. In the current context of security in the Black Sea region, deeply affected by the war waged by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, the Romanian military plays an essential role, together with our allies, in strengthening the allied deterrence and defence posture on NATO’s Eastern Flank. Also, our country continues to provide multidimensional support to the hard-pressed Ukrainian people.”

During Monday’s ceremony, the Battle Flag was handed over to the Command of the „General Alexandru Cernat” Land Component.

„On the occasion of the handing over of the Battle Flag to the Command of the Land Component, I convey my warm greetings and special appreciation for the dedication and professionalism with which you, the military of all ranks and civilian specialists, in the service of the country, fulfill your constitutional duties. The command of the Land Component gives consistency to the capacity of the Romanian Army to adapt to the profound changes of the new realities imposed by the current geopolitical context,” highlighted the president.

He thanked the veterans from the theatres of operations, „for their tireless commitment to ensuring security, stability and peace.”

„You are models of courage and devotion for society and for the younger generations, and Romania can always rely on you to guarantee its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. Our gratitude also goes to your families, who support you unconditionally and offer you the necessary peace of mind to successfully fulfill the tasks that Romania has committed to carry out at the allied level, far from the national territory,” added the head of state.

AGERPRES