Members of 15 different contributing nations came together to commemorate German National Day in Solbiate Olona today, 3rd October 2013.
Colonel Martin Fahlbusch, the German Senior National Representative, opened proceedings by explaining the background to the event, which commemorates the anniversary of German reunification in 1990 when the goal of a united Germany, He also put into context German National Day for the contributing nations at NRDC-ITA.
He said: European unity was a dream of a few people. It became a hope for many, and today it is a necessity for all of us.
I am delighted so many guests from the community, partner nations, colleagues and friends are here to celebrate a special day in German history.
which originated in the middle of the nineteenth century, was fulfilled.
Deputy Commander of NRDC-ITA, Major General Sir George Norton KCVO CBE, was invited to cut the celebratory cake, and concurred with the hosts on the significance of the occasion.
He said: This is a very special day for Germany and for any of us who experienced the 1980s and were based in Germany over that period.
Make no mistake of just how important this particular event has been to all of us. We are grateful for all the fortitude you have shown as a nation.
With the speeches complete the German national anthem was observed, before NRDC-ITA members enjoyed some traditional tastes of Germany, served-up from the window of a Volkswagen camper van.