Defense Minister, Teodor Melescanu, and deputy chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Sorin Ioan, participated September 8, on Otopeni military airport to the repatriation of the post mortem Second Lieutenant Aurel Marcu, who died on duty in mission in Afghanistan.

Representatives of the Prime Minister, Calin Popescu Tariceanu, military attaches accredited in Bucharest, commanders of the command armed forces‘structures were together the family of the military.

Senior Sergeant Aurel Marcu was appointed in rank of Second Lieutenant, post mortem, during the military and religious ceremony when they red the order signed by Minister Teodor Melescanu.

They also presented the Decree on granting, post mortem, the National Order Steaua Romaniei in rank of Knight for military, with signs of war, in sign of appreciation and respect for the exceptional devotion proved by Aurel Marcu during his mission.

The lost of Second Lieutenant Aurel Marcu is a sad moment for Romania, a tragic moment for his family and colleagues, for us all. Aurel proved courage, devotion for Romania and the Armed Forces. This is why we all are proud of him. He served his country as the heroes do. Its worth to remember his sacrifice and exceptional devotion proved in mission and we are close to his family. Aurel is a hero of his family, a hero of Romania stated the Prime Minister Calin Popescu Tariceanu in his message, at the end of ceremony.

The MoD and General Staff's leaders will be present in the funerals of the Second Lieutenant Marcu Aurel, Sunday, September 9, in Matasari Village, Dambovita County.

MoD Press Office