Premium
On Army Day, we are first of all honouring the sacrifice of our soldiers of all times, the ones who showed an authentic love for their country, with bravery and courage and, above all, with sweat and blood they built the Romanian country and nation, Defence Minister Mihai Fifor stated on Thursday, on the occasion of the ceremonies organised in the Carol Park for the Romanian Army Day.
The Minister evoked the merits of the Romanian Army in building the Romanian nation and voiced appreciation for those who sacrificed their own lives in achieving national independence.
"The sacrifice and blood of this nation's heroes imposed Romania among the independent states of Europe in the late 19th century. Their successors, through the great victories of Marasti, Marasesti, Oituz and other legendary battlefields during the First World War, made possible the Greater Union of 1918, which we celebrate during this Centennial Year," said Fifor.
He also mentioned the troops who lost their lives in the theatres of operations nowadays and the ones who were wounded or died in mission.
"The country owes the same respect and gratitude to the soldiers today. Romania's accession to the North Atlantic Alliance and the European Union family were ensured including by our troops who, holding on to their weapons, alongside our allies, proved in their missions conducted in the operation theatres the seriousness and consequence with which Romania meets its commitments and obligations. As many as 29 Romanian troops lost their lives in missions in Afghanistan, Iraq or Western Balkans and we will never forget their sacrifice," said Fifor.
He also mentioned the Romanian Army endowment programmes and specified the fact that the F16 multirole aircraft will start air police missions next year.
"Our troops participate alongside the allied and partner armies in some of the most complex missions in the theatres of operations and they also train themselves by participating in ample multinational drills, which ensure a training level matching the most exigent allied standards and a high inter-operability," said Fifor.
During the ceremony organised at the Unknown Soldier Monument, the officials laid wreaths on behalf of several ministries and state institutions and several IAR 330 R helicopters, as well as IAR 99 Soim or F16 Fighting Falcon flied over the Carol Park.
AGERPRES .
