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SZCZECIN, Poland – On 6 October, Headquarters Multinational Corps Northeast (HQ MNC NE) celebrated the Day of German Unity. Held in Baltic Barracks, the ceremony was attended by the Headquarters’ personnel and invited guests from across the region.

Formally achieved on 3 October 1990, the German reunification is one of the most remarkable events of the second half of the 20th century. Preceded by the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989, it started a new chapter in German history. In his opening address Colonel Raoul Gruninger, Germany’s Senior National Officer for MNC NE, stated: "After the abomination that was National Socialism, the unspeakable crimes committed against humanity and World War II, the military and moral defeat of Germany resulted in the division of our country that lasted for decades. Yet, after the Second World War, we, the Germans – and above all the citizens of East Germany – took our fate into our own hands and swept away the communist regime of violence."

Held in Baltic Barracks, the ceremony was attended by the MNC NE service members and multiple distinguished guests / Photo by MNC NE PAO

The ceremony’s keynote speaker was Lieutenant General Jürgen Joachim von Sandrart, Commander Multinational Corps Northeast. When reflecting on this momentous day in German history, the General paid tribute to all Europeans whose courage and determination led to the collapse of the authoritarian rule imposed by the Soviet Union. Referring to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, von Sandrart emphasized that the message coming out of German reunification was more important than ever: 

First and foremost, it means that we should not compromise on our values, and we should stand firm in the face of adversity. It also means that we should be willing to make personal sacrifices for a greater good.

Alongside Poland and Denmark, Germany is one of the Corps' founders and framework nations.