Commemorating Victory in Europe Day
Washington - On the second day of his US visit the NATO Secretary General joined World War II veterans, Holocaust survivors and US military representatives in Washington for a ceremony to commemorate the 66th anniversary of the Allied victory in Europe.
Anders Fogh Rasmussen paid tribute to the US servicemen and women of World War II who fought to liberate Europe. “You defended the freedom of Europe. You made it possible for future generations to enjoy peace and democracy. We thank you,” said Rasmussen.
The Secretary General stressed that the lessons from World War II led to the creation of NATO in 1949. He added that the security of America and Europe is indivisible “Currently almost 150,000 service personnel - Americans, Canadians and Europeans - stand shoulder to shoulder in NATO-led missions across the world, from Afghanistan to Libya, from the Balkans to the Indian Ocean. They demonstrate in the clearest possible way our solidarity as transatlantic Allies.”
The next stop on the Secretary General’s tour of America is Atlanta, where he will deliver a speech Monday at the World Affairs Council of Atlanta on the importance of preserving the bond of solidarity that connects Europe and America.