Secretary General
Excellencies
Ladies and gentlemen
Thank you for your words and may I echo your theme of unity of purpose from a military perspective.
On behalf of us all in the military committee this is a very special moment in our history and I would like to place this 50th anniversary, this special moment for NATO, into a military context.
This century has been the most violent in the history of mankind. Three times as many people - about 110 million - fell victim to war this century compared to all the wars from the first century ad to 1899 - almost two thousand years. This is an apalling record, and represents the worst that human beings are capable of. What is remarkable is that this Alliance has evolved out of the destruction and suffering of this legacy.
Ten years ago to the day - 9 November 1989 the Berlin Wall fell and set NATO on a new course for the 21st century. This modest, un-assuming building - NATO Headquarters - has, progressively, become a powerhouse for peace and freedom. It was our common defence shield during the Cold War and is now a permanent foundation for our collective security.
On behalf of all the military forces of the Alliance and for all those who were killed, wounded, or have suffered in the cause of peace and freedom - this stone is for them.
For all those who have contributed so much to NATO - civilian as well as military - and made this moment in history possible, we owe them this commemoration.
And for all those who choose the path of peace and freedom in the future, this event marking the 50th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation is a landmark that will, I believe guide and inspire us all.
Secretary General, this is event is a milestone to one of our greatest achievements this century. An achievement that will be remembered and recalled for what it is - a unity of purpose for the common good that has marked the latter part of the 20th century, and given us hope for the future.
