NORFOLK, VA – A flag raising ceremony officially kicked off Norfolk NATO Festival on April 20th, 2023. NATO Allied Command Transformation leadership and staff celebrated alongside the local Norfolk community, including Mr. Kenneth Alexander, the Mayor of Norfolk.
NATO Allied Command Transformation kicked off the 70th anniversary of the Norfolk NATO Festival with a flag raising ceremony in downtown Norfolk, at Scope Plaza. NATO Allied Command Transformation leadership and staff expressed their gratitude towards the community around the entire Hampton Roads region. Attendants included Ambassador Māris Selga, the Ambassador of Latvia, Robert Cross, founder and executive Director of the Virginia Arts Festival, and Gary Bonnewell, Chairman of the Norfolk NATO Festival Committee.
General Philippe Lavigne, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, shared his opening remarks: “The Norfolk NATO Festival has celebrated the bond between the city of Norfolk and NATO for many years. 2023 is special for three reasons. First, 2023 marks the 70th anniversary of this Festival, making it the longest continuously running festival in the Hampton Roads region. Second, because 2023 also celebrates Allied Command Transformation’s 20th Anniversary! In addition, the third reason why this Norfolk NATO Festival edition is special, is because 2023 has just seen the accession of a 31st member nation to NATO. NATO is a defensive Alliance by nature, based on solidarity between Allies that are different, but share the same values. And the Norfolk NATO Festival has always been a symbol of this international solidarity, and friendship. Today, this colourful display of 31 Nations flags and uniforms, also shows our diversity, our inclusiveness and our cohesion!”
Finland’s flag flew alongside the other NATO member nations as the newest member of NATO. The Norfolk NATO Festival has always been a symbol of international solidarity and friendship. After the flag raising ceremony, NATO Allied Command Transformation leadership and staff also attended the Virginia International Tattoo, where a series of artists, acts, and performers from around the world joined for music, dance, and song. The theme of the 2023 Virginia International Tattoo is a “Tribute to Military Families” and includes representatives from France, Australia, Ukraine, Latvia, New Zealand, Singapore, The United Kingdom, and The United States.
“Military families are asked to move frequently, sometimes relocating to different countries, to support their nations; this can be particularly overwhelming. For decades, the City of Norfolk has proudly acknowledged our NATO families’ personal sacrifices, by encouraging them to share their varied cultures and experiences with the local community, which creates the warmth and comfort of an at-home community. This extended friendship between Norfolk and NATO ACT parallels the importance of the NATO alliance as a whole, by recognizing the values of diversity, rapport, and relationships. The Norfolk NATO Festival is a treasured tradition between the community and the military members of NATO Allied Command Transformation,” shared Commander Samantha Lester as the Master of Ceremonies for the event; she supports NATO Allied Command Transformation as a United States Navy Reservist.
The Norfolk NATO Festival continues throughout the weekend, with the Parade of Nations and the International Village, starting at 10AM on April 22th, 2023, around Town Point Park in downtown Norfolk. Join the festivities and appreciation of NATO with cultural festivities, international art, and fun for the family. The celebrations are free to attend; you can find more information on the events here.
