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Celebrating the Fourth of July in Norfolk, Virginia, NATO’s Home in North America [1]

['Brian Sostak']

Date: 2023-07-04 13:58:29+00:00

NORFOLK, VA – At NATO’s home in North America, Allied Command Transformation celebrated the Fourth of July, which is the Independence Day of the United States of America, with a flag raising ceremony, followed by a family gathering.

On July 4th, 1776, the United States of America was founded, marking the nation’s birth as an independent country. The Declaration of Independence, a document that guided the establishment of the new nation, fundamentally asserts that individuals possess “unalienable rights,” including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Additionally reflected are the ideals of self-determination and consent of the governed, as guiding principles of democratic values. The Fourth of July serves as a day for reflection and gratitude for those living in the United States, where it is common for diverse communities to come together in celebrating principles of freedom, equality, and democracy.

On April 4th, 1949, in the aftermath of World War II, NATO was established, serving as an alliance for collective defence among North American and European countries. The Washington Treaty, otherwise known as the North Atlantic Treaty, was the founding treaty of NATO. Key provisions in the Washington Treaty include Article 3, covering ongoing self-help and mutual aid, as well as Article 5, covering collective self-defence. Additionally outlined are the guiding principles of the Alliance, consisting of 31 member countries that share democratic values, uphold human rights, and abide by individual liberties, rule of law, and cooperative governance.

Allied Command Transformation celebrated the Fourth of July with a flag raising ceremony and an extended family gathering, reflecting on common values such as democratic principles and sovereign governance. Allied Command Transformation serves as NATO’s Warfare Development Command, responsible for strategic thinking, development of capabilities, education, training, and exercises, as well as cooperation and engagement. Headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, Allied Command Transformation works closely with local and national partners in the United States, combining academic, industry, public, and private expertise to adapt and improve NATO’s Military Instrument of Power of the world’s largest and most capable defensive alliance.

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[1] Url: https://www.act.nato.int/article/celebrating-july-4th-in-norfolk/

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