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Jed Boal reporting The Utah National Guard is forging ahead with an international partnership that goes beyond a military alliance, with the Fort Douglas Museum playing a unique role.
They have a saying at the Ft. Douglas Museum: "Where the past meets the present to influence the future."
Director Bob Voyles says that's the value of their partnership with Morocco.
Bob Voyles/Director of Ft. Douglas Museum: "By exchanging ideas and working with each other's culture and history, it expands to so many areas besides the military to military."
A month ago in Casablanca, Morocco, leaders of the Utah National Guard and Ft. Douglas Museum helped commemorate Morocco's 50th Anniversary of independence from France. They opened this exposition on "Operation Torch" from World War II.
Bijha Simou, Moroccan Commission of Military History: "It's a reminder that history sends us back to a very difficult time. Operation Torch marked a path to world history."
In Operation Torch, Allied forces led by General George Patton landed in Casablanca in November 1942. Moroccans consider that their first step towards independence. Our friendship with Morocco dates back to our own independence.
Bob Voyles/Director of Ft. Douglas Museum: "They were the first country to recognize our independence, and they've had a strong relationship with us ever since, so it's only natural we would develop this cultural continuation in morocco."
Moroccans wanted to celebrate the role of the U-S, and share that history with the people.
The Ft. Douglas Museum helped the Moroccans acquire the artifacts, film and photographs to display.
The Moroccan Royal Armed Forces see it as an affirmation of freedom.
Gen. Bellahcen/Moroccan Royal Armed Forces: "I think it's the best way to show relations are really good."
...especially in the current world climate.
Brig. Gen. Bruce Frandsen/Utah National Guard: "They themselves had terrorist attacks in their country. They take very seriously the threat which terrorism gives not only them, but the entire civilized world."
The Guard and the museum foresee a lasting friendship that transcends typical military relations.
The Utah National Guard is also showing the Moroccans how a National Guard can be organized, equipped and utilized in national missions and local emergency responses.
