Memorial Day 2013 at Rhone American Cemetery

The 2013 Memorial Day Ceremony at Rhone American Cemetery in France honored the sacrifices of the more than 1,000 individuals that are buried or memorialized at this site. Ceremony highlights included:

  • Wreath-laying
  • Guest speakers included the Mayor of Draguignan and ABMC Commissioner Darrell Dorgan,  and individuals from the U.S. military, U.S. Consul General, AMVETs, and The McCormick Foundation
  • Dedication of the new carillon
  • Singing of the U.S. and French national anthems
  • U.S. military color guard and bugler
  • French military color guard and bugler
  • French army platoon
  • French army band
  • Local patriotic organizations
  • Family members of those buried and memorialized
  • Several allied veterans of Operation Dragoon
  • Memoire de Provence, a re-enactment group representing the US 3rd, 36th, and 45th Infantry Divisions, the 1st Airborne task Force, and the French Resistance

A reception, hosted by the Mayor of Draguignan, followed the ceremony.