PLOIESTI, Romania- As the service members stood in a row, the colors and flags of their uniforms were varied, yet the veterans shared one commonality: A history of selfless dedication to their countries, spanning from decades ago to present day.
Soldiers with 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, joined members of the Romanian Unified Land Forces, and Romanian local nationals to honor the veterans of both allied forces during civil engagements honoring veterans of Romania and the United States in Ploiesti, Sinaia, and Brasov, Romania, May 13-14 during the Cavalry March from Mihail Kogalniceanu Airbase, to Cincu, Romania.
The events in the three major Romanian hubs ranged from a veteran's civil engagement at the Ploiesti Shopping City Mall in Ploiesti; a wreath ceremony and World War II Memorial in Sinaia, and a welcome ceremony in Brasov, Romania, all honoring the veterans who bravely fought for their countries during times of war for the past seventy years, and also unite as one solid, persevering front for Operation Atlantic Resolve.
"I'm glad as a veteran that the U.S. Army is here," said Sigau Vasile, an infantryman in the Romanian army during World War II, and a native of Ploiesti, Romania. "I'm curious about meeting U.S. soldiers ranging from junior enlisted to commanders, and also about learning how the American military vehicles operate."
Activities ranging from static displays of both Romanian and American military vehicles, to samplings of Romanian foods by U.S. soldiers allowed the joint-forces to bridge not only the cultural gap, but also the generational gap.
"Romania has continued to show itself as a true friend and ally, fighting alongside our men and women, both here during joint-training, as well as in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Staff Sgt. Bruce Nemeth, an Electromagnetic Spectrum Manager with 2/2 CR, and a native of Houston, Texas. "These events have allowed me to see first-hand the benefits of getting both forces together so we can learn about each other's perspectives and capabilities."
U.S. military officials joined their Romanian counterparts to place a wreath at the gravesite of Lt. William Little, an Air Corps officer whose plane was shot down in Romania in 1943. Little was cared for by Princess Katherine Caradjea and treated in Sinaia Hospital, then buried in Sinaia despite being on different sides during the war.
The two forces reflected upon how the United States and Romanian forces have grown from being being adversaries who still cared for one another when in need, to one strong front, continuing to form an everlasting friendship .
"We are indebted to the veterans and the people of Romania for their selflessness and sacrifice," said Lt. Col. Theodore A. Johnson, squadron commander of 2/2 CR, and a native of Fairfax, Va. "It's an honor to be able to speak with these heroes of Romania."
The benefits of the alliance is appreciated by both the American and the Romanian sides, ensuring safety against any adversaries.
"We've worked together with the American Army for 70 years," said Adrian Dumitru, deputy mayor of Ploiesti. "We have peace-of-mind and assurance against any threat because of this alliance."
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