Memorial Day 2016 at Rhone American Cemetery

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Floral wreaths were laid during the 2016 Memorial Day Ceremony to honor the fallen at Rhone American Cemetery.

Local citizens, members of veterans' organizations and military officials gathered to honor the fallen at Rhone American Cemetery over Memorial Day weekend. Due to torrential rain, lighting and thunder, and high winds, the ceremony was held in the town hall, which is across the street from the cemetery.

Master of Ceremonies: Eddie McDonnell and Alison Libersa
ABMC Representative John Wessels
French Government Representative Raymond Yeddou, Sub Préfet Brignols
U.S. Government Representative Seth Snyder, Consul, US Consulat, Marseille
Arrival of the Official Party
Review of the Formation Brig. Gen. Arlan M. DeBlieck
Brig. Gen. Benoît Royal
Presentation of Colors
Introductory Remarks Eddie McDonnell and Alison Libersa
Invocation Father François-Kim Goertz
Jewish Prayer Rabbi Gabriel Aymard
Remarks Richard Strambio, Mayor of Draguignan
Remarks Seth Snyder, Consul,
United States Consulat, Marseille, France
Remarks Gen. Benoît Royal, Commander of the Garrison of Draguignan-Canjuers
Remarks Brig. Gen. Arlan M. DeBlieck,
Deputy Commanding General for the 21st Theater Sustainment US Army in Europe
and Commanding General, 7th Mission Support Command
Remarks John Wessels, Deputy Secretary,
Overseas Operations, American Battle Monuments Commission
Remarks Raymond Yeddou, Sub Préfet Brignols
For the French Government
Wreath Laying
French Sonnerie, Moment of Silence, Taps
National Anthems: La Marseillaise and the Star-Spangled Banner Claire-Agnès Pegourier
Raising of the Colors
Benediction Lt. Col. Father Brian Harki
Retire the Colors
Closing Remarks Alison Libersa
American Troops Color Guard: United States Naval Forces Europe-Africa
Bugler: United States Naval Forces Europe-Africa
Military Band: United States Naval Forces Europe-Africa
French Troops Color Guard: School of Artillery, Draguignan
Honor Platoon: School of Artillery, Draguignan,
21st Marine Infantry Regiment, Fréjus
Military Band: School of Artillery, Draguignan