Dayton Reporter

Today, Congressman Mike Turner delivered remarks at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Spring Session's opening ceremony held at the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center in Dayton, Ohio. The event marks the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords, with over 1,000 delegates, officials, national security experts, journalists, and guests attending.

During his speech, Turner welcomed attendees to his hometown and reflected on Dayton's historical significance. He highlighted the city's connection to the Wright Brothers and shared insights into the Schuster Center's construction during his tenure as mayor. "The building that you're in...was built while I was mayor," he noted.

Turner also discussed the legacy of the Dayton Peace Accords and its role in stabilizing the Balkans. He emphasized NATO's collective efforts against aggression and drew parallels between past conflicts in Srebrenica and current challenges in Mariupol. "It does take all of us to ensure that the NATO alliance stands against all forms of aggression," he stated.

Reflecting on Dayton's contributions post-Accords, Turner mentioned collaborations with Balkan regions to rebuild democratic institutions. This included partnerships between Dayton’s city departments and counterparts in Sarajevo. He highlighted cultural exchanges such as those between the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra.

Turner paid tribute to Gerry Connolly for his advocacy within NATO before introducing Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to continue proceedings.