ABMC Helps Mark World War I Centennial with Special Ceremony Honoring French-American Friendship
The French-American friendship is as old the United States. The American Battle Monuments Commission partnered with the U.S. Embassy in Paris and the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission to mark an important milestone in this friendship—the United States entering World War I. On April 6, 2017, the 100th anniversary of the United State entering the war, a special ceremony at the Chief of Mission’s residence in Paris commemorated this event.
Official guests included Uzra Zeya, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Paris; Jean-Yves Le Drian, French Minister of Defense; Dr. Libby O’Connell, U.S. WWI Centennial Commission; Harlem Désir, French Secretary of State for European Affairs; and Jean-Marc Todeschini, Secretary of State for Veterans and Remembrance, attached to the Minister of Defense.
After the official speeches, Bill Gwaltney, ABMC interpretive coach, presented a talk that highlighted the connection between the United States and France, including Americans fighting alongside the French, and utilizing French military expertise in terms of American training and equipment needs.