Soldiers perform a pass-and-review as they march out of Taksim Park during Tuesday’s opening ceremonies to officially kick-off the 2008 CIOR-CIOMR-NRFC Summer Congress in Istanbul.

Tuesday’s opening ceremonies mark the 61st Summer Congress for CIOR, CIOMR and NFRC. Reserve military officers from more than 36 countries will be participating in the week-long event that aims to provide advice on reserve issues and support to the NATO Alliance, and to foster professional development of reserve officers. This is the first time the Summer Congress has been held in Istanbul.

In his speech during the opening ceremonies, CIOR President Capt. (N) Carman R. McNary said he hopes members use their time in Istanbul to further prepare themselves and others to serve when called upon.

CIOR President Capt. (N) Carman McNary salutes the CIOR wreath placed during a wreath-laying ceremony at Taksim Square in downtown Istanbul Tuesday as part of the 2008 CIOR-CIOMR-NRFC Summer Congress opening ceremonies.

“I offer you a reminder of the important role the international exchanges and meetings have to play in working toward greater peace and prosperity in all of our countries,” he said. “When so many of our service men and women in all branches, from so many of our nations are serving in harm’s way for the greater good of us all, it is our mandate to advise those we serve and the associations we lead on important questions on how to best recruit, train, retain and prepare, and then support our reservists so that they are ready willing and able to serve when they are called upon to do so.”

Prior to the opening ceremonies, organization leaders placed wreathes at Taksim Square. The evening concluded with the Minister of Defense reception for all members at a nearby military museum.