PORTFOLIO

The rich tradition of the Norfolk International Azalea Festival began in 1953, one year after the establishment of NATO's Allied Command Atlantic in Norfolk. In that year, the citizens of Norfolk organized a salute to these allied forces in order to create new friendships, provide a basis for cultural exchange, recognize the military's role in maintaining peace in the world and pursue new lines of trade between Norfolk and the world.

In the years since its inception, the International Azalea Festival has developed into a festival filled with events that are annually attended by thousands of people. The transition of the NATO command to the Allied Command Transformation (ACT) brings more nations than ever to the celebration in 2008, and expands even greater the international community that is here in Hampton Roads, Virginia.