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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”
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| 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 |