Twitter
Facebook
French and American military forces came together May 25 at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery for a Memorial Day Ceremony to remember the fallen military heroes of World War I.
Maj. Gen. Yves J. Fontaine, commander of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, Soldiers from 21st TSC and aircraft from the 48th Fighter Wing joined the French Gendarmerie Troops from the Meuse Department, French firemen and the French 1st and 2nd Armored Infantry Band to conduct a wreath laying during the ceremony. They all stood tall as the flags were raised during the solemn sound of taps being played in the distance.
“As we reflect on the past, we are reminded that fighting as a coalition of nations is nothing new. Many French, American and coalition Soldiers died during the first World War and the wars that
followed. Today, they are fighting together again in Afghanistan. We fight together because we have similar goals,” said General Fontaine during his
ceremonial speech.
The ceremony took place in front of the chapel underneath the reliefs of figures representing grief and remembrance.
“It was a great honor to represent the Soldiers who fought and gave their lives fighting for freedom and defending those in need,” said Staff Sgt. Floyd Hill from 5th Quartermaster Company, who was the Color Guard NCOIC during the ceremony.
The Soldiers from 21st TSC stood proudly in formation as they represented all the military
service members who fought and died during our past conflicts.
***image1***“It was an honor to be selected to raise our American flag on the flag pole during the
ceremony,” said Spec. Jason Parks, 66th Transportation Company, 21st TSC.
“As a Soldier, it made me see how and learn why people did the courageous things they did back then and still today,” said Pvt. Melissa Reagan, a supply clerk from the 66th Transportation Company.
“It impacted me a little hard knowing how many people died and what they had to go through back then,” said Sgt. Brian Joyce, 66th Transportation Company. “As a Soldier, I am proud to be an Army Soldier because I’m serving my country just like they did.”
The Meuse-Argonnes Offensive, which left 26,277 killed in action, and 95,786 wounded, was known as the greatest American battle during the first World War.
The objective for the offensive was the capture of the railroad hub at Sedan which would break the rail network supporting the German Army in France and Flanders.
The bulk of the forces, which just completed an onslaught in Saint Mihiel Salient only two weeks prior, shifted to a 30-mile front in a short period of time. This was a great accomplishment under the logistical command and control of Col. George C. Marshall, who would establish a reputation that prepared him to be successful in World War II.
The offensive started with 10 American divisions and with a barrage by 2,700 guns at 11:30 p.m. Sept. 25, 1918, and ended with the armistice instructions arriving at 6 a.m. Nov. 11, 1918, reaching the Senegal Farm and Moulins.
This cemetery is tastefully designed on a 130-acre ground. On Oct. 14, 1918, this site was liberated by the brave men from the 32nd Infantry Division. In gratitude to the United States, the French government granted free use of the land as a permanent burial ground for the fallen Soldiers who fought during the offensive.
