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SHAPES 40TH anniversary in Belgium 30 March 2007
Mons, Belgium (30 March 2006) – The occasion of the 40th Anniversary of SHAPE in Belgium was commemorated at a ceremony in SHAPE cinema today. The Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, Gen. John Craddock, addressed his staff and guests on SHAPE’s history and its achievements. Gen. Craddock also used this opportunity to recognize and honour 15 long-serving employees who have 40-years of continuous service at SHAPE. NATO and SHAPE moved to Belgium in 1967 when France decided to withdraw from NATO’s integrated military command structure. NATO received offers from several nations to host NATO Headquarters, SHAPE, and all other NATO commands that had been in France. NATO determined that its headquarters would relocate to Brussels, Belgium, and that SHAPE would relocate to a Belgian military facility called Camp Casteau near the city of Mons. “There was some discussion, they tell me, of trying to move SHAPE to Brussels to be closer to NATO Headquarters, but the mid-60’s concern that a military conflict could lead to targeting of SHAPE led the Belgian government to seek a rural area away from population centres,” said Craddock. From the site determination until SHAPE had to be operational was only 6-1/2 months. In that time, the headquarters buildings, supporting facilities, and housing were built. The work pace was relentless – seven days a week until the facilities were completed. “NATO has evolved from the static, defensive posture that was appropriate to 1967 and has shown itself to be the most successful military alliance in history. We have seen sweeping changes – not only in SHAPE but in the world beyond these fences. The Berlin wall no longer exists; the Warsaw pact is dissolved. Many of its former members are now, as we know and value, members of NATO. We have witnessed NATO’s growth even as our world has grown smaller. Today, we operate on three continents with more than 50,000 service members deployed. Most notably, in our International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, but also in Kosovo Force, NATO Training Mission-Iraq, Operation Active Endeavour in the Mediterranean, Baltic Air Policing and assistance to the African Union Mission in Sudan,” the SACEUR continued. “SHAPE is a driving force behind NATO and the extremely positive effect it has had in the world, but SHAPE is more than a headquarters. It is a home to dedicated service members and civilians, all professionals, working together toward a common goal: security and stability for all of our NATO nations, or as the new term describes, collective security,” Craddock said. “Let us remember that day, 40 years ago tomorrow, when these gates first opened. And let us look forward to many more years of preserving peace here at SHAPE.” SACEUR honours employees
As part of the remembrance of the 40-year history of SHAPE in Belgium, Gen. Craddock recognized those who have been employed at SHAPE since1967. “We have the rare privilege of recognizing 15 long-serving employees who have each had 40 years of continuous service at SHAPE. That is a remarkable achievement,” said Craddock. “Your service at SHAPE over these last 40 years speaks eloquently of your dedication, commitment to duty and strength in the face of challenge and is an inspiration to each of us,” SACEUR told the honourees. Each person was presented with a plaque and a clock. Spouses were given flowers as a token of appreciation for their support. The following personnel were recognized:
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