When all Romanians were Americans for a day

OPINION:

Twenty-five years ago, on a clear September morning, terror struck New York, Washington and the fields of Pennsylvania.

A day, seemingly like any other, became a historic milestone. It was a day of tragedy, mourning and remembrance in the United States and in all corners of the world. At the same time, it was a day of solidarity, action and affirmation of values cherished and shared by all of us.

On 9/11, the whole world, shocked by the killing of so many innocent people, witnessed a nation emerging from tragedy with renewed vigor and strength. Hour after hour, in the following days and nights, the core values of American character revealed themselves in innumerable acts of heroism, generosity, ingenuity and leadership.

The cowardly attacks were meant to demoralize and humiliate. Instead, they showed the entire world that the soul of a nation — courageous, visionary, compassionate — was just as alive and strong as it had been at Saratoga, Gettysburg or Omaha.

That historic date was also a personal one. Like many of my fellow Romanians, I still feel — even after 25 years — the horror, outrage and indignation we all felt in the face of these atrocities. I remember realizing that the attacks were not directed merely against a country, but against the values that unite all free societies.

In the aftermath of 9/11, a remarkable thing happened. Humanity learned that the pain of one nation could become the pain of all nations. On that fateful day, free people everywhere stood with America. In a very real sense, all Romanians were Americans for a day.

That feeling had profound consequences. The attacks shattered the illusion that borders or distance could guarantee security. If terrorism could strike the financial and cultural heart of the world’s leading democracy, it could strike anywhere.

The lesson was stark: An attack on one could become an attack on all.

I am proud that we, Romanians, understood this lesson immediately and have acted upon it resolutely ever since. When America called upon its allies and partners in the struggle against terrorism, Romania answered. Our soldiers, airmen, sailors, intelligence officers and diplomats stood (and continue to stand) shoulder-to-shoulder with their American counterparts in the fight to preserve our common values, our way of life and the ideals on which our civilization rests.

Beginning in 2002, Romania became an active contributor to coalition efforts in several important theaters and missions. Thousands of Romanian service members served with courage and dignity — and many paid a heavy price. Some never came home. Their sacrifice is part of the history of our alliance.

Romania’s support stemmed not only from alliance obligations but also from conviction. We know from our own history that freedom is precious and fragile. We know that democratic societies must stand together when threatened.

My message to America and President Trump always begins and ends with this: Romania is proud to be a steadfast ally of the United States. Romanians recognize that our relationship holds a special significance, rooted in history and shared experience.

We honor the United States for its decisive role in bringing World War II to an end and for its leadership during the decades-long struggle to lift the Iron Curtain that divided our continent for generations.

That leadership continues today in President Trump’s conviction that peace in Europe rests on stronger allied commitments and a fairer division of the burden.

The special bond between our countries endures. Whether supporting alliance missions or deepening cooperation in defense, energy and technology, Romania is firmly dedicated to advancing and expanding the strategic partnership with the U.S.

Earlier this year, we once again demonstrated that commitment by quickly and publicly facilitating American operational requirements for Operation Epic Fury through our Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, underscoring our resolve to stand with the United States when collective security demands action.

In 2026, we mark 250 years since a handful of men in Philadelphia signed their names to the proposition that liberty belongs to every human being by right. Twenty-five years ago, that proposition was answered with fire. The twin towers fell; the words did not.

Freedom is never surrendered in times of trial. It is revealed. Tested in adversity, it cannot be vanquished by terror but can only become stronger.

Only by acting in solidarity, vigilant and resolute, can we ensure that the luminous, universal promises made by the Founders centuries ago remain within everyone’s reach — like a bright September day in New York that no violence can ever plunge into darkness.