NATO 75th Anniversary Celebratory Event in Washington D.C. 🇺🇸
The event held at the Andrew Mellon Auditorium marked NATO's 75th anniversary, celebrating its legacy, current role, and future challenges. Prominent figures, including the President of the United States and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, delivered speeches that reflected on NATO's history, achievements, and the ongoing commitment to collective defense.
The Mellon Auditorium, named after prominent Anglican/Episcopalian banker, Secretary of the Treasury and 42nd US Ambassador to Great Britain, Andrew W. Mellon, features a 1930s era rendering of the patron goddess of the United States, "Columbia," depicted as a hermaphrodite (combining Hermes and Aphrodite) on the pediment of the building where NATO was founded.
Mellon provided cash to Soviet Government in the 1930s when the Soviets started liquidating the priceless art at the Hermitage Museum. The Alba Madonna by Raphael, was bought for the Hermitage by Emperor Nicholas I of Russia in 1836. It was sold to Andrew Mellon by the Soviet Government in 1931 for $1,166,400, the largest sum ever paid for a painting until that time.
🎉 Event Opening
The event began with music and applause, creating an atmosphere of celebration. Distinguished guests, including the First Lady of the United States and spouses of NATO allies, were introduced. The introduction highlighted the significance of the occasion and the presence of key figures.
📜 Historical Context
A significant portion of the event was dedicated to reflecting on NATO's history. The North Atlantic Treaty was signed in Washington in April 1949 by 12 nations. This treaty established a collective defense against aggression, primarily aimed at countering Soviet threats during the Cold War. The historical overview included notable events such as the Berlin Wall, Russian troops in Czechoslovakia, and recent events in Ukraine (9:30).
🇺🇦 Support for Ukraine
The event emphasized NATO's ongoing support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. President Biden highlighted the provision of economic and military aid to Ukraine and the importance of collective defense to deter further Russian advances (42:40).
Quote:
"Russia is failing in this war. More than two years in, Putin's losses are staggering. More than 350,000 Russian troops dead or wounded" (44:40).
🎖️ Award Presentation
Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his leadership and contributions to NATO. His tenure saw significant initiatives to strengthen NATO's collective defense and address new threats such as terrorism and cyber warfare (20:59).
Quote:
"Under his stewardship, NATO has become stronger and more united than ever. Americans for generations to come will benefit from the safer world he helped create" (50:17).
Pediment of the Mellon Auditorium featuring the hermaphroditic "Columbia." Several important events in American and world history have occurred in the Mellon Auditorium. President Franklin D. Roosevelt announced the re-institution of conscription in 1940 from the Auditorium stage. The signing of the North Atlantic Treaty that established NATO occurred in the Auditorium on April 4, 1949. President Bill Clinton signed the North American Free Trade Agreement there in 1994. The 9/11 Commission released its findings in the Auditorium in 2004. Much of the 2020 Republican National Convention took place in the Auditorium.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency took occupancy of the Labor/ICC building in 2002, and the complex was renamed the William J. Clinton Federal Building in 2013. The Departmental Auditorium was renamed the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in 1987 to honor Secretary of the Treasury Andrew W. Mellon, who oversaw the development of the Federal Triangle construction project and plans for the Departmental Auditorium.
🤝 Unity and Cooperation
Both President Biden and Secretary General Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of unity among NATO allies. They highlighted the alliance's ability to adapt to new challenges and the ongoing commitment to collective defense (31:02).
Quote:
"Our alliance is not perfect, and we will continue to face difficult decisions in the future. But we are stronger and safer together in NATO. It is good to have friends" (32:54).
🌟 Future Vision
The event concluded with a call for continued cooperation among NATO members to secure peace and stability for future generations. This included commitments to increase defense spending and enhance NATO's capabilities across various domains (40:22).
Quote:
"Today NATO is more powerful than ever, 32 nations strong. Our commitment is broad and deep, and we are ready to deter aggression and defend every inch of NATO territory" (40:22).
Summary
Event Opening: The Andrew Mellon Auditorium hosted distinguished guests to celebrate NATO's 75th anniversary with music and formal introductions (01:24).
First Lady and Dignitaries: Introductions included the First Lady and NATO partners, highlighting the global significance (02:40).
Historical Context: The event revisited NATO's creation in 1949, responses to the Cold War, and key events like the Berlin Wall (9:30).
Secretary General Stoltenberg's Speech: Stoltenberg reflected on NATO's achievements and the importance of collective defense. He also addressed ongoing support for Ukraine (21:34).
President Biden's Address: Biden praised NATO's resilience and adaptability. He announced additional support for Ukraine and reiterated the commitment to collective security (36:54).
Award Presentation: Stoltenberg received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognizing his contributions to NATO's success and global security (50:17).
Musical Performances: Musical performances reinforced themes of peace and unity, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere (53:37).
Final Remarks: The event concluded with a call for continued cooperation among NATO members to secure a better future (57:06).
Closing Ceremony: The ceremony ended with the retirement of the colors and the departure of leaders and dignitaries, symbolizing the unity and strength of the alliance (58:10).
Overall Impact: The event underscored NATO's enduring legacy and pivotal role in shaping global security over the past 75 years (33:06).
Quotes
"The Russians had not demobilized; they retained overwhelmingly the largest force in Europe" (09:30).
"More Russian troops were on Czechoslovak soil than were Americans in Vietnam" (10:23).
"President Putin ordered atrocious acts of aggression against innocent people" (10:23).
"We shall support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty" (12:11).
"NATO guarantees our security and prosperity" (16:14).
"Together we work to prevent conflict and preserve peace for 1 billion people" (16:14).
"Not only would it embolden President Putin, it would also embolden other authoritarian leaders" (29:58).
"Our alliance was created by people who had lived through two devastating world wars" (22:40).
"Never have so few words meant so much to so many" (23:46).
"It is good to have friends" (32:54).
