On 20 Feb 17 COMEUFOR, Major General Friedrich Schrötter, conducted the official Haul Down Ceremony of the Netherlands Flag in Camp BUTMIR. The ceremony was attended by the Dutch Ambassador Jurriaan Kraak, the Dutch Military Attaché Lt Col Plijner and distinguished guests.
EUFOR MNBN Soldiers Lowering the Flag of the Netherlands for the final time
COMEUFOR said “The Netherlands have a long and proud tradition and history of military service in in support of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since 1991 over 40,000 Dutch soldiers have served the cause of peace in the Balkans with over 2,900 serving from 2004 to today with EUFOR. Since 2012, the Netherlands has contributed key staff officers to EUFOR HQ at Capacity Building and Training Division and Plans branch where they have made a significant contribution to the ongoing support and development of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
He added: “So while today is in some ways a sad day as we bid farewell to our Dutch colleagues, it is also a proud day of celebration for the Netherlands and EUFOR as we celebrate the significant contribution of the Netherlands to bringing peace and stability to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
