On Saturday, Memorial Day 2016 was commemorated at the Luxembourg-American Military Cemetery and Memorial in Luxembourg-Hamm.
At 14:00 exactly, Scott Desjardins, Superintendent at the Luxembourg-American Military Cemetery, led in the official party, followed by the Posting of the Colors by the 52ND Fighter Wing Honor Guard, Luxembourg Army Color Guard, Honor Flight USAFE 726 AMS and Honor Platoon 18th MP Brigade.
The Very Reverend Jean Ehret delivered the Invocation, followed by remarks by the US Ambassador to Luxembourg, David McKean. He mentioned his wife Kathleen whose father served in the United States Army and in the United States Air Force, and that this ceremony has been held annually since 1946 to honour fallen heroes. He stated "Behind me lies the final resting place of 5,075 brave young men and one brave young woman who died in the service of our country - for the freedom of this beautiful country - and, indeed, for all of Europe. As we look out across the rows and rows of white, marble crosses and stars, It is important to remember that each one represents an actual person – someone who had family and friends waiting for him back home, someone who had made promises he intended to keep, and someone who undoubtedly had hopes and dreams for tomorrow."
He also referred to the great American General, George Patton, whose heroism is legendary, being buried there. "he led the relief of beleaguered American troops during the Battle of the Bulge, disengaging six divisions from front line combat during the middle of winter – then driving the third army north to relieve Bastogne. It was one of his most remarkable achievements of World War II." He also referred to other men buried there, including Adolph Ravitz, from the UK and then Boston, Charles Gottsman, from Massachusetts and whose family hailed from Germany, Francis Rippinger from Illinois and se family hailed from Luxembourg.
"Ravitz, Rippinger and Gottsman never knew each other but they had something in common that is distinctively American: They were the all children of immigrants. Their forbearers had left their homeland for America and the hope of a better life. One can only imagine the pain of their parents and grandparents, knowing their son had died to liberate the continent they had left. The stories of these men tell the story of America – we are a country of immigrants. I think President Obama put it best when he said, “Immigration is at the core of our national character. It is our oldest tradition. It is who we are. It is what makes us exceptional.”... Like Patton, they were also heroes."
Luxembourg's Minister of Justice, Felix Braz, also addressed the audience, followed by the Prayer of Rememberance by François Moyse, and remarks by LTG Timothy M. Ray, Commander U.S 3rd Air Force.
Members of the Official Party then commenced to lay wreaths, including David McKean, U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg, representing the USA; His Excellency Mr. Lucien Weiler, Marshall of the Court, representing the Royal Family of Luxembourg; Ms. Simone Beissel, Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies; Mr Felix Braz, Minister of Justice, representing the Government of Luxembourg; Mr. Georges Wivenes, President of the Council of State; Ms. Lydie Polfer, Mayor of Luxembourg City; LTG Timothy M. Ray, Commander 3rd Air Force, representing the Armed Forces of the U.S.
The 21 Gun Salute was performed by the 52nd Fighter Wing, with Taps and National Anthems by U.S AIR FORCE EUROPE, Luxembourg Army Band and Ms. Veronika Ligeti, with Chaplain CAPT Darrel Schraeder, Chaplain, 52nd Fighter Wing, concluding with the Benediction.
“All who shall hereafter live in freedom will be here reminded that to these men and their comrades we owe a debt to be paid with grateful remembrance of their sacrifice and with the high resolve that the cause for which they died shall live eternally” General Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Photos by Robin Jensen
