George Shenkle, World War II veteran and former U.S. Army Soldier with the Easy Company, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, reacts as U.S. Army Soldiers parachute over the historic La Fiere drop zone near Sainte Mere Eglise, Normandy, France, June 7, 2015, to commemorate the 71st Anniversary of D-Day. More than 380 U.S. service members from Europe and affiliated D-Day historical units participated in the 71st Anniversary air drop as part of Joint Task Force D-Day 71. The task force, based in Sainte Mere Eglise, France, is supporting local events across Normandy, from June 2-8, 2015, to commemorate the selfless actions by all the Allies on D-Day that continue to resonate 71 years later. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Master Sgt. Brian Bahret)
A view of just some of the 14,246 graves on the 130.5 acres of the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in France prior to the Memorial Day ceremony May 26.
The US European Command joint color guard stands in front of the chapel at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery during the Memorial Day ceremony there, May 26.
Brig. Gen. Blaine Holt, U.S. European Command Director of Logistics (second from left), places a wreath at the Saint Mihiel American Cemetery during the Memorial Day ceremony there, May 26.
Memorial Day is a time of reflection for our nation – and especially for our service members – as we honor those who gave their lives so that others may live. However, this year’s Memorial Day is even more significant, as August 1, 2012 marks the 60th anniversary of the inception of U.S. European Command (EUCOM).
When a service member dies overseas it’s tradition to bring the body back to the home front. But, during WWII that wasn’t always an option. Many troops are laid to rest in American cemeteries throughout Europe. SGT Joshua Blair tells us how service members are cared for here at the American cemetery in Margraten, Natherlands.
Every year ceremonies are held throughout Belgium that honor American forces. SGT Vincent Pedican tells us about a group of fallen Soldiers whose memory continues to live on to this day.
Joseph Brennan enlisted in the Army after his cousin, Sgt. Joshua Brennan was killed in action when his squad was ambushed on Oct. 25th, 2007 in the Korengal Valley of Kunar Province, Afghanistan. For his actions that day, fighting off the ambush and recovering the wounded Brennan from the clutches of Taliban fighters, then Spc. Salvatore Giunta was awarded the Medal of Honor. Ever since that tragic date, Joseph has followed in the footsteps of his cousin Joshua.
I'll admit I've never been big on history, but there's something surreal about visiting the tiny villages our American Soldiers helped liberate 67 years ago. After meeting several D-Day veterans, walking on the beaches where thousands fought and died, and seeing the steep cliffs where they encountered enemy fire made history real for me. It's no longer just a documentary or war movie on television.
A team of U.S. Air Force Airmen traveled around Poland to meet with the country's military leaders. Along the way they got the chance to play a role in a ceremony honoring some of the nation's nameless heroes.
