Embassy Press Release

REMARKS BY AMBASSADOR NICHOLAS TAUBMAN ON THE OCCASION OF MEMORIAL CEREMONY AT AMERICAN HEROES MONUMENT

Bucharest, June 20, 2007

Mr. Defense Minister Melescanu
Military Attaches and other distinguished members of the diplomatic corps;
And, especially, veterans:

Today we honor men who gave their lives battling tyranny in the name of liberty. During World War II three-hundred and seventy-eight brave US servicemen made the ultimate sacrifice in Romania, defending the freedom that we hold so dear, but a freedom that is too often taken for granted. This monument stands to remind us of the great accomplishments made not only by these men, but also by all who answered their nation’s call to duty, honor and sacrifice over sixty years ago, and on whose legacy our men and women still answer that call today.

They did not choose war, but when their nation called upon them to fight the evil that sought to engulf Europe, these soldiers left their homes and their loved ones. And here in this beautiful place, in front of this memorial, we honor our warriors who did not return to us, but who laid down their lives in exchange for a better world.

Many young men valiantly gave their lives flying missions over Romania. During one such mission ninety-three airmen were tragically lost. Some airmen survived crashes such as these and were held as prisoners of war in Romania. Others did not.

This monument has bound us together and has helped heal our wounds. Today we stand together as brothers and sisters, fighting the same fight against tyranny and injustice, and Americans and Romanians stand shoulder to shoulder making their own sacrifices to clear a path for freedom to surmount evil in Iraq and Afghanistan, and in the Western Balkans, our soldiers continue to work together to promote peace, democracy and stability.

Today as we humbly honor those men who gave their lives fighting one of the greatest evils the world has ever seen, we must also acknowledge the great sacrifices being made today by our men and women as they defend liberty; yet again answering their nations’ calls. I ask you to join me in a moment of silence to honor these fallen heroes.

Thank you.

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