Local citizens, members of veterans' organizations and military officials gathered to honor the fallen at Rhone American Cemetery over Memorial Day weekend. Due to torrential rain, lighting and thunder, and high winds, the ceremony was held in the town hall, which is across the street from the cemetery.
Master of Ceremonies: | Eddie McDonnell and Alison Libersa |
ABMC Representative | John Wessels |
French Government Representative | Raymond Yeddou, Sub Préfet Brignols |
U.S. Government Representative | Seth Snyder, Consul, US Consulat, Marseille |
Arrival of the Official Party | |
Review of the Formation |
Brig. Gen. Arlan M. DeBlieck Brig. Gen. Benoît Royal |
Presentation of Colors | |
Introductory Remarks | Eddie McDonnell and Alison Libersa |
Invocation | Father François-Kim Goertz |
Jewish Prayer | Rabbi Gabriel Aymard |
Remarks | Richard Strambio, Mayor of Draguignan |
Remarks |
Seth Snyder, Consul, United States Consulat, Marseille, France |
Remarks | Gen. Benoît Royal, Commander of the Garrison of Draguignan-Canjuers |
Remarks |
Brig. Gen. Arlan M. DeBlieck, Deputy Commanding General for the 21st Theater Sustainment US Army in Europe and Commanding General, 7th Mission Support Command |
Remarks |
John Wessels, Deputy Secretary, Overseas Operations, American Battle Monuments Commission |
Remarks |
Raymond Yeddou, Sub Préfet Brignols For the French Government |
Wreath Laying | |
French Sonnerie, Moment of Silence, Taps | |
National Anthems: La Marseillaise and the Star-Spangled Banner | Claire-Agnès Pegourier |
Raising of the Colors | |
Benediction | Lt. Col. Father Brian Harki |
Retire the Colors | |
Closing Remarks | Alison Libersa |
American Troops |
Color Guard: United States Naval Forces Europe-Africa Bugler: United States Naval Forces Europe-Africa Military Band: United States Naval Forces Europe-Africa |
French Troops |
Color Guard: School of Artillery, Draguignan Honor Platoon: School of Artillery, Draguignan, 21st Marine Infantry Regiment, Fréjus Military Band: School of Artillery, Draguignan |