Canadian Paraded for the Romanian National Day

Members of the Operation Reassurance Air Task Force in Romania ( ATFRomania) participated in a parade commemorating the Romanian National Day in Bucharest on December 1.

“Since the start of our mission, when we first arrived here in Romania, we pledged to interact with and support our Romanian hosts as much as possible,” said LCol Mark Hickey, Commander of ATF – Romania. “When the opportunity to participate in the National Day came along, we were honoured and gratefully accepted the opportunity to take part. Our Romanian Allies have been amazing hosts, and what better way to show our solidarity with the people of this great country than to celebrate in their National Day with them,” he said. This was the first time members of the Canadian Armed Forces have marched in the parade. It marked the 99th anniversary of Union Day, when Romania was united with what was then known as Transylvania and several other smaller regions. The Romanian National Day has been celebrated annually since 1990. Thirty members of the ATF, many from 2 Wing Bagotville, marched in the parade, while two CF- 18 Hornets flew over in sequence with our Romanian allies. The ATF’s Host Nation Liaison Officer et commander of 2 ERC of 2 Wing Bagotville, Maj Christian Roscius, was the leader of Canadian contingent in the parade. A native Romanian from Bucharest, he immigrated to Canada in his teen years, but has stayed connected with his Romanian heritage. The parade featured more than 3,500 troops, 350 ground vehicles, and 50 aircraft from dozens of organizations within the Romanian Armed Forces and other services. It also included the participation of more than 300 personnel from several NATO allied.