Introduction by the General President

As General President of Mars & Mercury Europe, I would like to share with you the following thoughts.

Mars & Mercury is an “association” deserving special attention.
In the aftermath of the First World War, former career and reserve officers wanted to maintain frequent contacts between men who were determined to live out in their civilian activities (Mercury) the spirit of righteousness and mutual esteem learned under arms (Mars). They also wanted to connect their skills. This gave rise to the first Mars & Mercury Circle, and it gradually developed into a European network of national Circles in Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Switzerland.

Mars & Mercury Europe aims to be an Inter-Nations Coordination Commission, facilitating the cohesion of the action of the National Circles around common values, in accordance with their own agendas. We aim to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience between members through current information and communication technologies. We also have the ambition to continue to expand our community to new European countries.

The objective is not easy to achieve, no doubt about it. Indeed, as the pool of reserve officers is shrinking, it will be necessary to continue to be innovative in order to maintain the momentum of the National Circles. In particular, it will be necessary to welcome leaders of the civil society as well as other associations of officers, who share the same values and norms.

My most sincere wishes to all Mars & Mercury members.

Eric Debois                                                                                           CV Eric Debois
Colonel of Aviation (Res)