American Battle Monuments Commission commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge at sites in Belgium, Luxembourg
The American Battle Monuments Commission commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge at two of its sites in Belgium and Luxembourg Dec.13 and 14.
On Dec. 13, the Battle of the Bulge Monument at Bastogne, Belgium, served as backdrop for its first ABMC ceremony, with guests including ABMC Commissioner Brig. Gen. Matthew E. Jones and ABMC Secretary Charles K. Djou, as well as dignitaries from Belgium and the U.S., seven World War II veterans and their family members.
The event included the posting of the colors, the national anthems, an invocation, a wreath laying, taps played as well as remarks from Bill Nelson, Administrator of the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration and head of the U.S. Presidential Delegation; Bernard Quintin, Belgian Foreign Minister; U.S. Senator Jerry Moran; U.S. Representative Michael T. McCaul, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Brig. Gen. Andrew O. Saslav, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations of U.S. Army Europe and Africa; and Commissioner Jones.
“Few battles in American history reflect that service and sacrifice more than the Battle of the Bulge: 19,000 U.S. soldiers killed; 47,000 wounded; 23,000 missing or captured,” said Jones. “The single largest and bloodiest engagement the U.S. fought in Europe in World War II.”
The day after, on Dec. 14, Luxembourg American Cemetery, Luxembourg, was chosen for the second ABMC commemorative ceremony. The event was also attended by Jones and Djou.
Among the guests, HRH the Grand Duke of Luxembourg; His Majesty Philippe of Belgium; Prime Minister of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Luc Frieden; U.S. Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Thomas M. Barrett; and Chief of Staff of the U.S. European Command Maj. Gen. Peter B. Andrysiak; honored the World War II veterans in attendance including John “Jack” Foy, who spoke during the event, and their comrades who perished during the war.
The ceremony included the posting of the colors, the national anthems, an invocation, a wreath laying, taps, as well as remarks from dignitaries.
“Come here to the Luxembourg American Cemetery,” said Secretary Djou, who delivered remarks at the event on behalf of the commission. “Come see these crosses and these stars of David. Come and see what true sacrifice is about.”
For more than 100 years, the ABMC has been committed to its mission: honoring the service, achievements and sacrifices of the U.S. service members who made the ultimate sacrifice during American conflicts abroad, including the ones who fought in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium and Luxembourg.