Fort Belvoir, Va. (Oct. 9, 2014) - The annual Oktoberfest celebration saw thousands of people visit Fremont Field on Fort Belvoir this weekend.
While Families enjoyed German food, music and culture, as well as carnival rides, Oktoberfest also showcased the bonds between the U.S. and Germany.
"I think this highlights, first of all what a great relationship we have with the community and we've got a great relationship and representatives from the Germany community," Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan, Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region/Military District of Washington, commanding general said. "But in particular, with the German Armed Forces through our relationship with NATO. This highlights our tremendous friendship that we have."
Buchanan, who attended Oktoberfest dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing, has his own personal history with Germany, having been born there as his parents served in the country, he said.
The Oktoberfest festivities opened with the traditional keg-tapping ceremony by Col. Michelle Mitchell, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Belvoir, commander, and USAG Fort Belvoir Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Guillory, as well as Commander of the German Armed Forces for the United States and Canada, Brig. Gen. Hasso Koertge and Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Grommes, German Armed Forces Command.
Soon after, people enjoyed music performed by Luftwaffenmusikkorps 2 -- the German Air Force Band -- and German food.
"It really symbolizes the relationship that we have with our German partners and the community at large," Mitchell said. "So this is really an opportunity for folks in the area to come and enjoy some German culture and just be part of Fort Belvoir in a very different way."
Over the course of the weekend, Families enjoyed listening and dancing to music by Kings Park German Band, Alt-Washingtonia Schuhplattler Verein, Alte Kameraden, Johnny Koenig and U.S. Army Band Downrange.
There was plenty of food, both American and German, for people to enjoy including Schnitzel on a stick, pulled pork sandwiches, funnel cakes and bratwurst.
Those interested in the fitness aspect of Oktoberfest participated in the 10K Volksmarch and the Krazy Krieger 5K Challenge Run, and the Belvoir Enlisted Spouses Club hosted a bazaar and bake sale.
The carnival offered rides and attractions for adults and children, including Hoop Shoot, the Dragon Wagon, Gondola Wheel and UFO Area 51.
Retired Navy Rear Adm. Ronald Narmi said he enjoyed Oktoberfest because of its inclusive and friendly atmosphere.
"(People) come away having had some fun and that's a good thing," he said. "They come away with a greater appreciation of German culture and also a reminder of the friendship between the two countries."
Having been to Germany five times, he said he loves the culture and Oktoberfest is very nostalgic for him.
"I like the food, the people, the scenery, the (beverages) -- it's just great," he said.
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