[click on photo to view it larger] [click on photo to view it larger] ABOVE PHOTOS:  U.S. Ambassador Martin J. Silverstein pins the decoration on General Angel Bertolotti; afterwards, both posing with the certificate along with Mrs. Bertolotti. CITATION The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 20, 1942, has awarded the Legion of Merit, Degree of Officer, to General Angel Bertolotti, Uruguayan Army, for exceptionally meritorious service as the Uruguayan Defense and Military Attaché to the United States from March 2002 to March 2004. General Bertolotti displayed outstanding professional competence, sound judgement, and diplomacy. Through the firm support he provided on a daily basis as the Defense and Military Attaché, he influenced and strengthened the bonds of military-to-military friendship between the United States and Uruguay. General Bertolotti’s performance reflects great credit upon himself, the Uruguayan Armed Forces, and his country. Given under my hand in the city of Washington this 7th day of July 2004, R.L. Brownlee, acting Secretary of the Army, and Donald Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense. [click on photo to view it larger]

U.S. Ambassador to Uruguay, the honorable Martin J. Silverstein, on behalf of the President of the United States of America, awarded today the Legion of Merit to Uruguayan Army General Angel Bertolotti for his service as Defense and Army Attaché in the Uruguayan Embassy in Washington, DC.

In his remarks, Ambassador Silverstein praised General Bertolotti's work in Washington. The Ambassador stated that General Bertolotti worked with "complete dedication to promote better understanding and cooperation between the armed forces of Uruguay and the United States". Ambassador Silverstein pointed out that General Bertolotti had commenced his tour of duty in Washington shortly after the attacks of September 11, 2001, and "witnessed firsthand the beginning stages of the Global War on Terror". In expressing his gratitude, Ambassador Silverstein added: "we, as a government, and as a people, are grateful for your cooperation, and the cooperation of the Uruguayan government, in this struggle, which continues today. Your first-hand experience in the United States gives you special understanding of the values and ideals we share with the Uruguayan people".

The Legion of Merit is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. An Act of Congress on 20 July 1942, established the Legion of Merit. This award is the first United States military decoration presented to citizens of other nations.

General Bertolotti received the Legion of Merit in the degree of Officer, signifying distinguished service to the United States as a General Officer.

 

AMBASSADOR SILVERSTEIN'S REMARKS:
(delivered in Spanish)

Today is a very special day for the armed forces of our two nations, and for General Angel Bertolotti.

General Bertolotti, the medal I will present to you is a token of recognition by my government for your hard work and dedication to service during your time in our capital. For two years, you worked with complete dedication to promote better understanding and cooperation between the armed forces of Uruguay and the United States.

Your tour in Washington occurred during a very special and dramatic time in the history of my country. You arrived a few months after the terrible attacks of 11 September 2001 and witnessed firsthand the beginning stages of the Global War on Terror. We, as a government, and as a people, are grateful for your cooperation, and the cooperation of the Uruguayan government, in this struggle, which continues today.

Your first-hand experience in the United States gives you special understanding of the values and ideals we share with the Uruguayan people. I am certain that, in the future, you will continue to serve as an important link between our military forces as we continue to work in close collaboration on issues of mutual interest.

General Bertolotti, I thank you for your contributions and wish you much success in the future. Thank you.

 

PHOTO > U.S. Defense Attaché, Lt.Col. Brian Butcher, congratulates General Angel Bertolotti.

 

 

General view of the ceremony held at the "Instituto Militar de Estudios Superiores".

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