The two greatest struggles of the 20th century, the battles against fascism and communism, are over. The fallen Iron Curtain has revealed a window of opportunity for open societies and open markets to prevail across a continent at peace. It is important to recall that NATO played an essential role in bringing us to this hopeful point. For half a century, NATO also provided the foundation on which our nations built the greatest community of peace and prosperity the world has ever seen. It cemented close relations among former adversaries in Western Europe.
Future hope lies in the development of a community of free peoples. . .
But NATO was not just about yesterday. First let me be clear about my own nation's conviction. American power and purpose are here in Europe to stay. This Alliance will continue to be the anchor of American engagement in Europe, the linchpin of transatlantic security. Through over four decades, under Democratic and Republican administrations, we have maintained a bipartisan commitment to a free, stable, secure, and prosperous Europe.