Leaders from the U.S. Army Military Police Corps Regiment and the British Army's Royal Military Police toasted to friendship and renewed their partnership during the Bond of Friendship ceremony Tuesday at Thurman Hall.
Brig. Gen. Kevin Vereen, U.S. Army Military Police School commandant, and Brigadier David Neal, provost marshal of the British Army's Royal Military Police, signed the Bond of Friendship declaration and performed a ceremonial toast reaffirming their commitment to their partnership.
Vereen opened the ceremony by highlighting the bonds of friendship that have grown over the years between the allies.
"For the last 15 or so years, we have been heavily involved in operations abroad," Vereen said. "I will tell you, the United Kingdom has done just a tremendous job in support of that mission. We are truly indebted to your nation."
The ceremony, Vereen said, is a way for the two armies to reaffirm their partnerships.
When introducing Neal, Vereen said he is a soldier who exemplifies all the traits you would want in a leader.
"I am absolutely honored to be here alongside the U.K.'s principal ally and, it would be fair to say, principal friend," Neal said. "It's an important relationship because when we are arriving in new theaters of operation, we are always looking for elements and foundations to draw on."
Neal added the bonds of friendship matter, "if the U.K. and the U.S. are going to be able to hold the line with our NATO partners."
The next time the Bond of Friendship will be renewed is in two years at the Southwick House in Hampshire, England. The house holds significance as it is the location Gen. Dwight Eisenhower "launched perhaps the best example of international cooperation and friendship" during World War II, Neal said.
"There can be no better symbol of friendship and no better symbol of cooperation than being in front of the D-Day planning map when we renew in two years' time," Neal added.
Neal also participated in the Army birthday run during his visit.
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