Romania, the Eastern Flank: Honoring veterans in theaters of operations
Every year, on November 11, veterans of theaters of operations are celebrated.
Lăcrămioara Simion, 12.11.2025, 14:00
Every year, on November 11, veterans of theaters of operations are celebrated. This date has a double significance: in 1918, the Armistice between the Entente Powers and Germany came into effect, ending World War I, and in 2003, on November 11, the first Romanian soldier, second lieutenant posthumously Iosif Silviu Fogarași, fell in the line of duty in the theater of operations in Afghanistan.
Veterans of theaters of operations are soldiers who participated in international missions, far from their country, family, and loved ones, being an example of courage and devotion for society and the younger generation. These are not big words, they are words that can define the most delicate moments. “Being away from home is one of the difficult moments that a soldier deployed in a theater of operations experiences. It is not easy to leave your family at home. I can say that there we are a family, because we can support our comrades who are also our brothers, sisters, and parents, with no one else to listen to us; only on their shoulders can we tell our stories” this is a brief x-ray of the hardest moments, made by Chief Warrant Officer Adjutant Gabi Boldișor, the commanding non-commissioned officer of the Multinational Brigade South-East in Craiova, a soldier who participated in 5 international missions.
Veteran soldiers of the theaters of operations are ambassadors of Romania in the hottest and most tense points of the world. Thanks to their professionalism and involvement in carrying out missions, the credibility of our country on the international stage has increased. Since 1996, Romania has lost 31 soldiers in international missions.
Each deployment in a theater of operations involves a confrontation with danger, a real survival training, something also supported by Bartolomiej, an officer responsible for logistical planning within the Polish detachment deployed in Romania: “Another major challenge is adapting to the constantly changing and often unpredictable environment. You have to be alert at all times, make quick decisions under pressure and maintain high performance despite fatigue or lack of comfort. It’s not just about physical endurance, but mental endurance.”
Respect for veterans is not just a matter of honor, it is a testament to the dignity of all of us as a nation. “A veteran is not just a man with combat experience. He is a member of the military who has served his country abroad, often far from home, family and friends. Being a veteran means carrying a legacy of sacrifice, teamwork and responsibility. It is important for society to recognize and value that service and to be proud of his country” is the response of a Portuguese sergeant from research structures when asked to characterize a military member participating in international missions.
Regarding due appreciation, Bartolomiej, an officer in the Polish detachment, makes a brief clarification: “I would like the public to understand that veterans have unique experiences, both good and bad, and that they deserve respect, recognition, and support as they reintegrate into civilian life.”
Unfortunately, the danger encountered in theaters of operations has bitten into the routine of life lived thousands of kilometers away from home; some of the soldiers returned post-mortem heroes of the nation, others saw their families again, but carry with them the scars of the conflict. Therefore, society has a moral duty to look at the veterans of theaters of operations with respect, admiration and empathy, because these people felt the silent breath of death on the back of their necks. (Teodora Mazere, trad. LS)
