15 August: Romanian Navy Day

Romanian Navy Day is celebrated each year on August 15, the same day when the Christians celebrate the Assumption of St.Mary Mother of Jesus, protector of the sailors.

The celebration was marked by speeches of high-ranking officials, guard of honor, military music, concerts, sailor games, contests, parades of military and civilian ships, military aircraft’s flyby, fireworks.

This year, over 12,000 people attended the military ceremonies in the Black Sea Harbor of Constanţa, where President Klaus Iohannis and Defense Minister Adrian Ţuţuianu were also present.

President Klaus Iohannis was impressed by the large number of people who come to celebrate Navy Day each year, and said that such moments show us how powerful the symbols that unite us are, and that this must be the spirit to celebrate next year’s Centenary from the Great Union.

The head of state referred to the strategic importance of the Black Sea area and stressed that the full potential of this region should be turned into real advantages for Romania. Romania needs a properly armed and prepared army to cope with the current challenges, President Iohannis said.

He added that the political agreement on the allocation for the next decade of 2% of the national budget to the Defense, and the approval of the Army's endowment plan send Romania’s partners a signal of responsibility.

Romania wants to be a pillar of stability, democracy and security in the region, but in order to achieve this goal, political force and vision are needed, Defense Minister Adrian Ţuţuianu said.

Manifestations dedicated to the Romanian Navy Day also took place in Bucharest in the Herăstrau Park, in Danube harbors and Bicaz Lake.

Source:RRA.Translated by Miruna Matei