NORFOLK, VA – The Norfolk NATO Festival Flag Raising Ceremony officially kicked off the 71st Annual Norfolk NATO Festival on April 18th, 2024. NATO Allied Command Transformation leadership and staff celebrated alongside NATO Joint Force Command Norfolk, and the local Norfolk community.
The Flag Raising Ceremony, led by NATO Allied Command Transformation, was the initial public event that started the Norfolk NATO Festival in downtown Norfolk, at Scope Plaza. This year holds special significance, coinciding with NATO’s 75th Anniversary and the upcoming summit in Washington, D.C. this summer. NATO leadership and staff expressed their gratitude towards the community around the entire Hampton Roads region. Other special attendees included Robert Cross, founder and executive Director of the Virginia Arts Festival; Kenneth Alexander, Mayor of the City of Norfolk; Scott Jackson, General Manager of the Virginia Arts Festival, and Producer Director of the Virginia International Tattoo; and Mr Gary Bonnewell, Chairman of the Norfolk NATO Festival Committee. The ceremony served as a powerful symbol of the enduring connection between Norfolk, often referred to as “NATO’s Home in North America,” and the Alliance whose families it proudly supports.
General Philippe Lavigne, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, shared his opening remarks: “I am as always struck by the mix of generations assembled here. Including the grey heads of our many remarkable veterans who have come to cheer us on… we are all grateful for your service. But also the young, the future generations who will bring their own contributions, their digital smarts especially… To help us succeed together as one NATO. To ensure we can continue to celebrate our joint endeavour… year after year, with more and more flags!”
Sweden’s flag flew alongside the other members of NATO as the thirty-second and newest member of the Alliance. 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 military artists, acts, and performers from around the world joined for music, dance, and song.
The Norfolk NATO Festival continues throughout the weekend, with the Parade of Nations and the International Village, starting at 10AM on April 20th, 2024, 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.
