World War I Centennial Ceremony to Mark First World War I U.S. Offensive

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An American officer delivers remarks from the podium during the World War I Centennial Ceremony at Somme American Cemetery to Mark the 1st American Offensive. Photo credit: Chantal Mistral-Bernard/American Battle Monuments Commission.

To coincide with Memorial Day weekend, Somme American Cemetery in France hosted a ceremony on May 26, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. that honored both Memorial Day and the 100th anniversary of the first U.S. Offensive of World War I. 

Presentation of Colors
National Anthems
"La Marseillaise" and “The Star Spangled Banner”
Introductory Remarks Craig Rahanian, Superintendent of Somme American Cemetery
James Gerard, American Overseas Memorial Day Association
Welcome Address Robet Dalessandro, Deputy Secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission
Invocation Col. David L. Carr, U.S. Military Chaplain
Memorial Address Philippe Gyselinck, Mayor of Bony
Memorial Address Magalie Daverton, Sous-Prefect Aisne Department
Memorial Address Lt. Gen. Timothy M. Ray, EUCOM DCOM
Memorial Prayer Col. David L. Carr, U.S. Military Chaplain
Presentation of Wreaths
Sounding of Taps U.S. Army Bugler
Fly Over U.S. Air Force 76th Airlift Squadron
Benediction Col. David L. Carr, U.S. Military Chaplain
Closing Remarks James Gerard, American Overseas Memorial Day Association
French Military 94th Infantry Regiment, Urban Combat Training Center
U.S. Military 1st Infantry Division, 2nd Infantry Division, 3rd Infantry Division