Stories

The Memorial Day ceremony at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery as seen from the woods of Belleau, the historic battlegrounds of The Battle of Belleau Wood, May 26. To celebrate Memorial Day, and to mark the 95th anniversary of the historic Battle of Belleau Wood, U.S. Marines with their French counterparts gathered at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery to commemorate their fallen heroes, May 26. The event was held in the memorial cemetery that lies outside of the historic grounds of Belleau Wood and featured the laying of wreathes, a firing of volleys, the playing of TAPS, raising of the American and French national colors, and a concert by the French military band. The mayor of the village of Bellau along with other military officers and officials representing the U.S. and France were present. Participating units from the U.S. Marines included 5th Marine Regiment, Marine Security Guard Detachment, the Wounded Warrior Regiment and Marine Forces Europe and Africa. French units that participated in the ceremony included the 21st Marine Infantry Regiment and the Musique Principale des Troupes de Marines. - The Memorial Day ceremony at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery as seen from the woods of Belleau, the historic battlegrounds of The Battle of Belleau Wood, May 26. To celebrate Memorial Day, and to mark the 95th anniversary of the historic Battle of Belleau Wood, U.S. Marines with their French counterparts gathered at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery to commemorate their fallen heroes, May 26. The event was held in the memorial cemetery that lies outside of the historic grounds of Belleau Wood and featured the laying of wreathes, a firing of volleys, the playing of TAPS, raising of the American and French national colors, and a concert by the French military band. The mayor of the village of Bellau along with other military officers and officials representing the U.S. and France were present. Participating units from the U.S. Marines included 5th Marine Regiment, Marine Security Guard Detachment, the Wounded Warrior Regiment and Marine Forces Europe and Africa. French units that participated in the ceremony included the 21st Marine Infantry Regiment and the Musique Principale des Troupes de Marines.

As the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps performs in Aisne-Marne Memorial Cemetery, American Marines, to include the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, and citizens as well as French soldiers and locals, including the mayor of the town of Belleau, Ms. Monique Benier, look on as they celebrate Memorial Day on the sacred ground of Belleau Wood. The ceremony marked the 94th anniversary of the battle and embodied the legacy Belleau Wood has given to the Marine Corps and the brotherhood that unites an American-French friendship that has lasted from before the fields of World War I to the current operations in Afghanistan and was attended by Marines from commands all over Europe and the United States, to include: members of the 5th Marine Regiment, Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team, and Marine Forces Europe. - As the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps performs in Aisne-Marne Memorial Cemetery, American Marines, to include the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, and citizens as well as French soldiers and locals, including the mayor of the town of Belleau, Ms. Monique Benier, look on as they celebrate Memorial Day on the sacred ground of Belleau Wood. The ceremony marked the 94th anniversary of the battle and embodied the legacy Belleau Wood has given to the Marine Corps and the brotherhood that unites an American-French friendship that has lasted from before the fields of World War I to the current operations in Afghanistan and was attended by Marines from commands all over Europe and the United States, to include: members of the 5th Marine Regiment, Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team, and Marine Forces Europe.

Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa honor the sacrifices of American and French troops by studying the history of the First World War battle for Belleau Wood, France. The class was to educate the Marines on the historical facts that surround Belleau Wood as they prepare to honor this legacy by participating in a Memorial Day ceremony on the historic battlefield later this month with the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment from Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., the USMC Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Company from Rota, Spain, and elements of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe scheduled to attend. - Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa honor the sacrifices of American and French troops by studying the history of the First World War battle for Belleau Wood, France. The class was to educate the Marines on the historical facts that surround Belleau Wood as they prepare to honor this legacy by participating in a Memorial Day ceremony on the historic battlefield later this month with the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment from Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., the USMC Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Company from Rota, Spain, and elements of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe scheduled to attend.

The 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps General James F. Amos lays a commemorative coin in front of the Iron Mike monument atop a hill in the heart of the Belleau Wood forest during a private Memorial Day ceremony in front of a formation of Marines and French soldiers. The coin is from the Marines of Task Force Belleau Wood, assigned to II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) in Regional Command (Southwest) in Afghanistan. The coin was given to the Commandant during his visit to Afghanistan, May 11-15, 2011. - The 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps General James F. Amos lays a commemorative coin in front of the Iron Mike monument atop a hill in the heart of the Belleau Wood forest during a private Memorial Day ceremony in front of a formation of Marines and French soldiers. The coin is from the Marines of Task Force Belleau Wood, assigned to II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) in Regional Command (Southwest) in Afghanistan. The coin was given to the Commandant during his visit to Afghanistan, May 11-15, 2011.

U.S. Marines and French soldiers gather on the parade field of the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery during a Memorial Day service in honor of the 93rd anniversary of the Battle for Belleau Wood. This year's ceremony marks the first time in 93 years that the Marines of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments have returned to the battlefield together to honor their fallen comrades. More than 1,800 Marines from the 5th and 6th Regiments lost their lives in the 21-day battle that stopped the last German offensive in 1918. - U.S. Marines and French soldiers gather on the parade field of the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery during a Memorial Day service in honor of the 93rd anniversary of the Battle for Belleau Wood. This year's ceremony marks the first time in 93 years that the Marines of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments have returned to the battlefield together to honor their fallen comrades. More than 1,800 Marines from the 5th and 6th Regiments lost their lives in the 21-day battle that stopped the last German offensive in 1918.