On 10 April 2024, the Portuguese Minister for National Defence, Chief of Defence, Chiefs of the services, defence attachés, other distinguished guests and the JALLC’s staff, came together to honour Portugal’s commitment to the Alliance for 75 years.

The ceremony, was the first engagement with NATO for the newly appointed Portuguese Minister for National Defence, Mr Nuno Melo. He took the opportunity to reaffirm Portugal’s commitment to the Alliance noting that We are only at Peace as long as NATO is strong.

The Portuguese Chief of Defence, General José Nunes da Fonseca, also addressed the audience, highlighting Portugal’s history in NATO, the missions and operations it has contributed to over the years, and the fact that even today, Portuguese aircraft are patrolling the east flank.

The JALLC’s Commander, Commodore Fernando Artilheiro, who welcomed attendees to the ceremony, also on behalf of Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, General Philippe Lavigne.  The Commander, reminded the audience that NATO’s mission has always been, and still is, to ensure the collective defence of its Allies, emphasizing deterrence and defence, crisis prevention and management, and cooperative security through a 360-degree approach.

During the ceremony, both the NATO and Portuguese flags were raised, a wreath laid, and a moment of silence observed to remember the fallen.

For 75 years, NATO has stood as the most successful collective Defence Alliance. The enduring transatlantic bond between Europe and North America has safeguarded our freedom and security since the establishment of the Alliance on April 4, 1949, serving as a shield against aggression and the fear of aggression.

From its founding with 12 members, NATO has expanded to include 32 Allies who share both the benefits and responsibilities of collective defence, making decisions together by consensus. Today, NATO provides peace and security for over one billion people on both sides of the Atlantic. This indispensable transatlantic bond among NATO members is grounded in shared history and common values, including individual liberty, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

You can read more about NATO’s history over the past 75 years here.