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Each year, the Rhône American Cemetery & Memorial in Draguignan commemorates Memorial Day. The ceremony honors the 851 men and women buried at the site, as well as the 294 missing whose names are memorialized there. Most gave their lives during the liberation of southern France in August 1944. The event serves as a solemn tribute to their sacrifice.
Democrats Abroad France can invite a limited number of members to attend the tribute on Sunday, May 24th at 10am.
Details:
Before the ceremony begins, guests from our group will lay wreaths at two gravesites and place individual flowers on other graves.
During the ceremony, government officials and military representatives from both the US and France will present commemorative wreaths. The officials will also welcome the family of Staff Sergeant Elmer J. Boehnke, an assistant mechanic on a B-24 Bomber who was shot down during a critical communications mission and was for a time a case of mistaken identity.
Following the ceremony, we'll join other guests at a short reception, where we will have an opportunity to speak with the cemetery's superintendent and other dignitaries and honorees.
Location:
One of twelve permanent American military cemeteries in France, the Rhône American Cemetery is a historic location along the route of the US Seventh Army’s drive up the Rhone Valley. The stunning and serene site is surrounded by trees and features a striking memorial with gorgeous mosaics. Click to learn more about the cemetery.
Logistics:
Once we have an idea of how many people are interested in attending, we can look at options for traveling together.
- If you do not have a car to get to Draguignan, it is possible to get there by train, then taxi.
- If you have a car and can pick up a few members at the train station to drive them to/from the cemetery, please indicate this on the sign-up sheet.
Note: There is an additional opportunity Saturday, May 23rd before the ceremony to help place American flags at the headstones.
The Importance of Our Support:
The need to stand behind our US military and veterans is urgent. The Trump administration's illegal war has already resulted in the tragic loss of US military personnel, and multiple recent policy decisions have damaged the care and benefits of veterans who earned both. Showing support to those who did and do serve our country is our honor and responsibility.
We hope you can join us!
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