Yes, it does matter.

It does matter because we romanians should be the one who remember that we must not to forget our forefathers, not the foreigners to come and remind us about our own history. Of course it is ok when this kind of events are celebrated, but let me wonder what would happened if that foreign gentleman would not read about the event and he didnt spoke it out in order to organise something. Almost sure romanians would do nothing.

So, it does matter and it does matter a lot. Is the celebration of the first flight of Wright brothers organised by foreigners in the USA? No. It is organised by americans....

In conclusion, if the event was initiated by romanians it is ok. If not, it is not ok, even if eventually all went well. Hope one got the idea.

Yes, there is frustration in some posts, especially yours. You are frustrated that foreigners care more for Romania than Romanians do? OK then! Channel this energy towards a positive change. "Omul sfinteste locul". Join in. Join ARPIA or Aripi Romanesti. Join your local Aeroclub. Start a campaign (The Coanda anniversary is coming). Do your bit. Change things. Organise events. No one stops you. Or is this a case of the perennial Romanian: "sa se"-ism? "Da sa se faca", "da sa se dea", "ce se da aicea doamna?". YOU should step out of this "diateza pasiva" and be more active.

I cannot possibly see what is wrong with a "foreigner" remembering and commemorating your past. The best Luftwaffe historians are British and American, Max Axworthy (not a Romanian, as you probably guessed) wrote about the Romanian Army, Eric Mombeek (not a "pui de Dac" either) wrote about the Romanian aviation, etc.

It is a good thing when others get involved in our history. We often saw how our own historians distorted and falsified history to serve their own (or the Party) interests.

In any case, I cannot possibly see what the whole fuss is about. The Vlaicu centenary anniversary was a good thing. It took place. That is all that matters.

Radu