Joint Task Force-East

Romanian, Americans honor fallen Soldiers

June 6, 2008
Release No. 20080606-2

MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU AIRBASE, ROMANIA -A June 5 memorial ceremony gave Romanians and Americans the chance to share in honoring Romania’s fallen heroes.

Held at the Former 34th Romanian Infantry Brigade Training Area in Mihail Kogalniceanu, the ceremony observed the lives of all Romanian service members who have given their lives in the service of their country.

“No matter what country you’re from or what branch of the military, honoring our fallen comrades is always common ground,” said Col. Peri Anest, Joint Task Force – East commander.

The ceremony began with a history of the memorial by the commander of the 34th Infantry Brigade, Lt. Col. Viorel Ciobanu. The memorial was created in 1920 by decree of King Ferdinand the first, and it honors all of Romania’s fallen troops.

Ciobanu’s remarks were followed by local students reading Romanian military-related poetry before the audience of local citizens, retired Romanian veterans and Romanian and American servicemembers.

“We often work in cooperation, so it is important that we share together to get to know us as people,” said Mayor of Mihail Kogalniceanu Valeriu Muresan. “The more we know each other, the better we will work together,” he added.

Romania is a coalition member, and has served in the Global War on Terrorism since 2003. Currently the country has nearly 900 troops involved in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

For more information regarding Joint Task Force East, please contact the Public Affairs Office, 0241 608 079 and 0730 630 079, cpicjtf-east@eur.army.milt.

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