Embassy Press Release

REMARKS BY AMBASSADOR NICHOLAS TAUBMAN ON THE DEDICATION OF AMERICAN HEROES MONUMENT

Bucharest,
October 1, 2007

I would like to take this occasion to thank the Romanian Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of the Interior, and the Bucharest General Town Hall. Through the partnership with these and other agencies, today we have an opportunity to commemorate the American service members who lost their lives in Romania during World War II.

I particularly wish to thank the members of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts, for their ongoing commitment and great efforts to ensure that our nation’s fallen heroes are not forgotten. As one of America’s oldest military institutions, the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company plays a key role in remembering the sacrifice of American men and women around the world.

Over 50 years ago, throughout Romania, nearly 400 American airmen died, were wounded, or suffered the privations to eliminate the threat of the Nazi scourge. One among these brave airmen, Lieutenant Colonel Edward Myllmaki Sr., was also once a member of the Artillery Company gathered here today.

By the generosity of their members, the “Ancients” have provided us with a permanent reminder of all the great sacrifices made on our behalf.

The monument unveiled today both recalls a past sacrifice, and hearkens to a future in which Romania and America continue forward with resolve against common threats to our freedom. Thank you all for attending this ceremony.

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