Admirals from U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa Support WWI Centennial Ceremonies in Europe
Admirals from U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and U.S. 6th Fleet traveled throughout Europe visiting American cemeteries and monuments for Memorial Day and World War I centennial commemorations, May 26-27, 2018.
“This Memorial Day will commemorate the one hundred year anniversary of the ending of World War I, known in its time as the “Great War.” said Adm. James G. Foggo III, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, Italy, at Muese-Argonne American Cemetery in France. “Never before had the world seen such a staggering loss of life over seemingly miniscule diplomatic mistakes that further set the stage for another, and just as tragic, war a mere twenty years later.”
These ceremonies honored the lives and legacies of fallen U.S. and allied service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their countries.
“Tomorrow at this time, that flag to my left will be at half staff to remember the sacrifice that over one million American men and women gave in service to their country,” continued Foggo. “However, at noon, it will be raised to the top of the flagpole by the memory of the living, who resolve not to let their sacrifice be in vain, but to rise up in their stead and continue the fight for liberty and justice for all people.”
Vice Adm. Lisa Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, visited Brookwood’s American Military Cemetery and spoke of the importance of this year’s Memorial Day ceremony.
“In Europe, this Memorial Day is especially meaningful because it marks the peak year for the commemorative events for the World War I centennial,” said Franchetti. “Americans fought in the trenches, in the air, and at sea alongside our allies. One hundred years later, our commitment to our allies is as strong as ever and we will continue to use our power to ensure peace.”
Remembering and honoring the fallen men and women of the “Great War,” in ceremonies like these is indicative of the enduring relationships shared by the U.S. and its European allies.
“In response to one of the most insidious and persistent threats ever to rise against liberty, over 150,000 brave young men emerged from the sea behind me at Omaha Beach and the other Normandy beachheads of Operation Overlord,” said Rear Adm. Daniel W. Dwyer, chief of staff, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and U.S. 6th Fleet, while visiting Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. “We must remember the price of our shared freedom, and keep it ever in our hearts.”
Built on an unshakeable foundation of shared values, experiences and vision, the partnerships forged in World War I and other conflicts throughout the world, ensure U.S. forces alongside European allies and partners remain committed to the collective defense and continued cooperative security.
“Many of our American Soldiers, Sailors and Marines are buried throughout Europe,” Rear Adm. Thomas Ishee, director of operations, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and deputy commander, U.S. 6th Fleet. “United in a common cause and bound together by common values, men and women of all backgrounds, races and faiths, many of them descendants of Eastern European and Western European immigrants who came to the United States seeking freedom, opportunity and a better way of life.”
While the admirals’ remarks were as varied as the battle sites, cemeteries and commemorations, there was a recurring theme of preserving the memory of fallen brothers and sisters in arms through dedicated service.
“As we mark one hundred years, I’m honored to be standing here at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, remembering the fallen, and if you will, please preserve their memory and dedicate your service to their ideals and those of a free and prosperous world at peace,” said Foggo.
Info photo
France (May 27, 2018) Adm. James G. Foggo III, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, U.S. Army Major Gen. Leopoldo Quintas, Brigadier Gen. Jon Howerton, Benoit Vidon and French Col. Eric Taillandier lay wreaths during a Memorial Day and World War I centennial commemoration ceremony at Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, France, May 27, 2018. Admirals from U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and U.S. 6th Fleet traveled throughout Europe visiting American cemeteries and monuments to honor the lives and legacies of fallen U.S. and allied service members that paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their countries. U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, headquartered in Naples, Italy, oversees joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, to enable enduring relationships and increase vigilance and resilience in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ryan Riley/Released)
