US-Europe World Affairs

Observed every year on the first Thursday of May, the National Day of Prayer was first established in 1952. And later in 1988 the day was designated by Congress as a time for all faiths to pray for the United States, its leadership, and the world. This important observance has its origin back to 1774, when the Continental Congress invited the nation to this spiritual event. 

“From the earliest days of our Nation’s journey, America has been guided by the grace of Almighty God.  Beginning with the opening prayer at the First Continental Congress in 1774, our faith has perpetually stood as the summit of our strength, the source of our unity, and the fount of our greatness.  This National Day of Prayer, we thank God for His endless blessings ‑- and we ask Him to grant us fortitude, wisdom, and a renewed spirit of justice as we continue the work to save our country and restore our national promise.” Excerpt from President Trump’s Presidential Proclamation of the National Day of Prayer 2025 ©The White House May 1, 2025

“On this day, may our faiths enable us to sow the seeds of progress in our ever-changing world. Let us resolve to guide our children and grandchildren to embrace freedom for all, to see God in everyone, and to remember that no matter what differences they may have, they, just like we, will always be united by their common humanity.” Excerpt from President Obama’s Presidential Proclamation of the National Day of Prayer 2016 ©The White House May 2016

 “This event is a powerful reminder that prayer has the strength to connect and inspire us, fostering unity across all branches of service and the surrounding communities. Praying together strengthens not only individuals but entire families, creating a ripple effect that builds unit cohesion and enhances readiness for any mission,” Highlighted Maj. Joseph Okpe, Fort Buchanan’s Chaplain, on the National Prayer Luncheon May 1, 2025

Led by a U.S Army and conducted by the 7th Army Training Command, Allied Spirit 25, the exercise-series that fortifies the transatlantic defense posture,

was held this year from February 22 to March 24, 2025 in the 7th Army Training Command in Germany. 

Military forces joined in the Allied Spirit 25 exercise were from: Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, North Macedonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as the Lithuania’s Infantry Brigade was the rotating primary training unit. 

“We’re always open here, because at the end of the day, if we can all get together and learn from each other, we’ll be better as a coalition,”  explained Brig. Gen. Steven P. Carpenter, Commanding General of the 7th Army Training Command.© U.S Army March 13, 2025.  
 

• The exercise aimed to enhance and solidify interoperability and readiness among NATO allies and partners;
• It also focused on a multinational brigade to bolster NATO’s deterrence efforts;
• It highlighted once again the U.S. commitment to a strong NATO presence and the importance of the transatlantic collective defense.

Additional: Lithuania Excels as Allied Spirit 25 Concludes   by Army 

First USEUCOM event of large scale global Exercise 24, Allied Spirit, is underway  by USEUCOM

U.S. Army and National Guard are the vital part of NATO-KFOR. This contribution not only establishes a secure environment in Kosovo but also actively encourages dialogue and cooperation between the region’s diverse communities.

See some of our recent articles and interviews with the U.S Army and NG in KFOR:                 https://useuworldaffairs.com/nato-kfor/

Get updated from: KFOR Regional Command East 

February 17, 2025 marks the beginning of the biennial Exercise Arctic Forge 25, led by a U.S. Army Europe and Africa. The exercise will continue until February 28, 2025 in the High North.

With much enhancement this year, the Arctic Forge 25 elevates military capabilities and cooperation in the High North to a new level, fostering an unprecedented environment for operational readiness among allied forces.

Confirmed by the U.S Army Europe and Africa, the Exercise is designed to integrate seamlessly with Finnish Defense Exercise 25 and Norwegian Joint Viking 25, establishing a robust framework that promotes significantly the Arctic readiness and interoperability in the High North.

Key aspects that underline the strategic importance of the Arctic Forge 25

• Enhancing Operational Readiness;
• Fostering more Interoperability between U.S Forces and NATO allies; 
• Providing the Environmental Adaptability, inter alia, extreme temperatures, limited daylight and unpredictable weather conditions, which of all necessitate the implementation of specific military strategies to ensure missions’ effectiveness;
• Demonstrating the continuation of the U.S commitments in safeguarding peace and security in the Arctic region.

More news from U.S Army Europe and Africa

Embracing the Light: Religious Spiritual Resiliency in Kosovo  by Chaplain (Maj.) Daniel Leslie, KFOR Regional Command-East and Task Force Texans Brigade Chaplain.

In the heart of Europe lies a land steeped in history, where cultures converge and faiths intertwine. Kosovo stands amidst a history marked by conflict and turmoil. The land has borne witness to centuries of trials and tribulations, from the Ottoman Empire’s rule to the conflicts of the 20th century. Through it all, religious faith has been the cornerstone, providing solace, guidance, and a source of inner strength. It is a nation that is a testament to the indomitable spirit of its people.  Nestled between Albania and Serbia, this small yet culturally rich region has faced and continues to face its fair share of challenges. The remarkable qualities of the Kosovar people, with their unwavering faith and spiritual resiliency, shine as beacons of hope and strength. In this article, we will explore the inspiring journey of religious communities in Kosovo and how their faith has been a guiding light through even the darkest times.

 A U.S. Army Europe and Africa’s directed Exercise ‘Dynamic Front’ is currently underway in Finland, Estonia, Germany, Poland, and Romania from November 4-24.

The exercise is led by U.S 56th Artillery Command, and hosted by Finland. It projects NATO’s capabilities across the continent, from the Black Sea to the Arctic region. 

‘Dynamic Front’ is one of the largest multinational training exercise bringing military personnel from  28 NATO Allied and partners’ armed forces including: Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, UK and the U.S.