In his speech, US ambassador Randy Evans reminded those gathered that there were over 18m veterans, plus others currently serving “to preserve a peaceful time.”
The day was a reminder not just to those who have or are serving, but also a time to remember “a country occupied not once but twice during World War II, liberated three ties by the American soliders, including General Patton,” who is buried in Hamm.
Evans added, “We give thanks for their service and sacrifice. Including the service and sacrifice of those who could not be here with us today. These heartfelt sentiments are particularly important as we approach the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge.”
As part of the ceremony, a special honour was given to two soldiers, Private First Class Donald E. Mangan and Lawrence E. Worthen, who were ages 26 and 20, respectively, when they had gone missing in action on the same day--17 September 1944. The fateful date was mere days before Luxembourg’s liberation. Both soldiers were identified earlier this year. Ambassador Evans provided more detail about each: Mangan hailed from South Dakota and had been remembered on the Wall of the Missing at the local cemetery. Since he has been identified, he gets a rosette next to his name, which is how the ceremony concluded. Californian Worthen had been remembered on a similar wall in Belgium.
Also in attendance at the event were the ambassador’s wife, Linda. Minister Lex Delles, along with Luxembourg City councilman Maurice Bauer and Alain Duschène, Luxembourg Army general, also took part in the event.
Of course, there were also many representatives from the US forces present as well, including the chief of staff for US Naval Forces Europe, US Naval Forces Africa, the US Sixth Fleet, Rear Admiral Matthew Zirkle, leadership of the 52nd Fighter Wing (from the Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany), Colonel Timothy Trimmel and Command Sergeant Major Stephanie Cates. Members of the US Veterans Friends of Luxembourg and the Patton Alliance Foundation also came to pay their respects.