Source: NATO
On Thursday (12 December 2024), Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed a group of World War II veterans from the United States to NATO Headquarters.
Corporal John D. Foy, Staff Sergeant George K. Mullins, Private First Class Fred J. Nungesser Jr, and Corporal Joseph R. Picard are now all 99 years old but as young men they fought to free Europe from tyranny. Mr Rutte paid tribute to them, “we are really honoured that you are all here. I can only start to imagine what you have gone through to liberate this part of the world. Amongst you, you have been in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Czechoslovakia, Austria and Germany… I would like to say to you, on behalf of the whole Alliance, a heartfelt thank you for your service.” NATO staff and members of Allied delegations applauded as the four veterans entered the Headquarters.
This winter marks the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes region of Belgium, and next year will be the 80th anniversary of the end of the World War II in Europe, V-E Day. The veterans were also welcomed to NATO HQ by the Chair of the Military Committee Admiral Rob Bauer, who underscored the value of their service. “Many, many millions of people have to thank you, and are thanking you, for what you have done because what you have done made it possible for us in Europe to live the lives we wanted to live.”
As they arrived, the former servicemen were also greeted by the Director General of the International Military Staff, Lieutenant General Janusz Adamczak, and Vice Admiral Shoshana Chatfield from the US Mission to NATO.