Members of the military, local citizens, and even family members of the fallen, gathered at Epinal American Cemetery for the 2017 Memorial Day Ceremony. Roberta (Roddy) Ryan, daughter of 1st Lt. Edward R. Ryan; Allie Laborde, daughter of Pfc. William A. Medlin, along with her son; and Ian Hooper, cousin of Pfc. Edward Elders, all attended the ceremony. And students from the Chantraine and Dinozé schools participated.
Presentation of Colors | EUCOM Joint Color Guard |
Welcome Message | Hamid Faqir, Superintendent |
Opening Remarks | Jocelyne Papelard-Brescia, A.O.M.D.A Representative |
National Anthems | Nouba Band from the 1er Régiment de Tirailleurs d’Epinal : La Marseillaise and The Star Spangled Banner |
Invocation | Col. David L. Carr, USAF Chaplain |
Welcome Address |
François Picoche, Mayor of Dinozé Elisabeth Del Genini, Member of the Regional Counsel Ghislaine Jeandel-Jeanpierre Vice-President of the Vosges County Counsel Patrick Nardin, representing Epinal’ s mayor Rear Adm. John W. Smith, Chief of Staff, U.S. European Command, Stuttgart, Germany Nouba band: "Mansions of the Lord" Reading of a poem by François-Xavier Le Saint "Thank you Soldiers" by Dinozé & Chantraine elementary Schools |
Laying of Wreaths | |
Playing of TAPS, Raising of the colors and Minute of Silence | |
Closing Remarks | Jocelyne Papelard-Brescia, A.O.M.D.A Representative |
With the participation of: |
Flag Bearers of French Veteran’s Associations Color Guard: EUCOM Joint Color Guard Band: Nouba, 1er Régiment de Tirailleurs d’Epinal The French Red Cross, Section of Epinal The Chantraine and Dinozé Schools |