On 3 March 2009, soldiers from 10 NATO countries – members of the Headquarters Multinational Corps Northeast (MNC NE), stood shoulder to shoulder in a line-up at the Pomeranian Square in Baltic Barracks, Szczecin, to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of NATO.
A round anniversary of the Alliance was an excellent opportunity to make summaries and think about the importance of NATO in the contemporary world. Commander MNC NE Lieutenant General Zdzisław Goral addressed all members of the Headquarters in a speech, in which he presented historical background for the creation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation on 4 April 1949. Afterwards, he recalled the Alliance’s major contributions to the peace and security in Europe and beyond in the context of changing demands and challenges. Therefore, all main missions and operations NATO soldiers have been taking part in were mentioned, including the mission in Afghanistan, which is currently the greatest challenge for NATO. With reference to political changes in Europe and the world, General Goral illustrated how the Alliance grew in size, starting with 12 in 1949 and ending up with 28 member countries in 2009, since Croatia and Albania have just joined the organisation. 
The MNC NE Commander talked about not only NATO’s past, but also NATO’s present time and future. As he said, "the Alliance still remains the best instrument for the North America and Europe to navigate their way thorough the next 60 years, ensuring living in freedom, peace and stability". Then, Commander MNC NE greeted his subordinates and wished them success and happiness in daily work in the Headquarters and during future missions. After all, we all work for the NATO’s benefit, which is, in fact, the benefit of all countries that constitute the Alliance.
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