By Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Henry
Fleet Public Affairs Center Detachment Europe  Print     Share  

CARTHAGE, Tunisia - Accompanied by a Tunisian and U.S. honor guard, General William E. Ward, commander of U.S. Africa Command, speaks during a Memorial Day service at the North Africa Cemetery and Memorial on May 27, 2008. The 27-acre North Africa American Cemetery is the site of 2,841 graves for U.S. military members. Most of those buried in Tunisia lost their lives in World War II in military activities ranging from North Africa to the Persian Gulf. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer Class Christopher Henry, U.S. Navy)

CARTHAGE, Tunisia, 

May 29, 2008 — General William E. Ward, commander of U.S. Africa Command, and 20 members from Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe (CNE) Band's Ceremonial Unit commemorated the 63rd anniversary of Memorial Day at the North Africa American Cemetery and Memorial in the ancient Roman city of Carthage on May 27, 2008.

During the Memorial Day address, Ward remarked on the value of those who lay down their lives for freedom. He also spoke of the United States' continued commitment to its military partnerships.

"The importance of allies can not be overstated. As we work together in pursuit of common objectives, it aids us all," Ward said. "U.S. Africa Command's mission is to help our partner nations increase their capacity in providing for their own security and bringing stability to the (African) continent and the world."

Ward and Tunisian officials laid wreaths for fallen servicemembers in the 27-acre cemetery where U.S. servicemembers who died during World War II are buried.

The Tunisian government grants the area without charge or taxation as a permanent American cemetery for U.S. military forces.

The Navy's Ceremonial Unit performed with the Marine Honor Unit from the U.S. Embassy in Tunisia presenting colors. The Italy-based band traveled to Tunisia to perform in Memorial Day services at the American military cemetery after performing Sunday at the Rhone American Cemetery in Draguignan, France.

"It's really an honor to be performing here in Tunisia honoring our military veterans," said Chief Musician Kelly Cartwright.