Battle of Belleau Wood not forgotten by US Marines and French soldiers on Memorial Day

Photo By Tatum Vayavananda | The Memorial Day ceremony, that included the laying-of-wreathes in tribute of the fallen troops at the Battle of Belleau Wood, was held in front of the Romanesque chapel of Aisne-Marne American Cemetery. To celebrate Memorial Day, and to mark the 95th anniversary of the historic Battle of Belleau Wood, U.S. Marines with their French counterparts gathered at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery to commemorate their fallen heroes, May 26. The event was held in the memorial cemetery that lies outside of the historic grounds of Belleau Wood and featured the laying of wreathes, a firing of volleys, the playing of "TAPS," raising of the American and French national colors, and a concert by the French military band. The mayor of the village of Bellau along with other military officers and officials representing the U.S. and France were present. Participating units from the U.S. Marines included 5th Marine Regiment, Marine Security Guard Detachment, the Wounded Warrior Regiment and Marine Forces Europe and Africa. French units that participated in the ceremony included the 21st Marine Infantry Regiment and the Musique Principale des Troupes de Marines.  

BELLEAU, 1, FRANCE

05.28.2013

Story by Sgt. Tatum Vayavananda 

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa     

BELLEAU, France - To commemorate Memorial Day, and to mark the 95th anniversary of the historic Battle of Belleau Wood, U.S. Marines with their French brothers and sisters in arms, locals of the town of Belleau, and visitors from around the world gathered at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery May 26 to remember and honor the fallen heroes of World War I, as well as celebrate the long-standing partnership between U.S. and French militaries that is still alive today.

“Near this very site, just behind me and over the hill, Marines and their French counterparts together demonstrated their unfailing valor during a fight that would forever change our Corps,” said Col. Roger Turner, commanding officer of the 5th Marine Regiment.

The event was held in the memorial cemetery that lies outside of the historic grounds of Belleau Wood, the battlefield where the modern Marine Corps first made its name in one of the fiercest battles during the First World War.

The ceremony was held on the parade grounds overlooked by the Romanesque chapel and flanked by 2,289 epitaphs of the fallen.

“We are privileged to return here each year to join you in honoring the memory of the many brave warriors who died fighting in the pursuit of liberty," said Turner.

In June of 1918, during the First World War, the Battle for Belleau Wood was fought during the German Spring Offensive. The battle, a “baptism by fire” as known in Marine Corps legacy, was fought in the 200-acre forest located by the Marne River named “Belleau Wood.”

This piece of French territory was contended for by the opposing German forces due to its strategic location; it was approximately 90 kilometers north from the capital city of Paris. The opposing forces launched a surprise offensive and reached the bank of the Marne River at Chateau-Thierry, which fell on the evening of June 1.

In response, U.S. troops, consisting of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment marched more than 10 kilometers to plug the gap in the line by dawn. On June 26, the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines attacked Belleau Wood and cleared the forest of the German opposition, ending one of the fiercest battles the U.S. would fight during the war.

“This is where modern history for the Marine Corps really started,” said David M. Atkinson, the superintendent of Aisne-Marne American Cemetery. “Prior to June of 1918, very few people had heard of the Marine Corps; after, the Marine Corps was absolutely known throughout the world.”

“For the Marines, it represents something exceptional to be here; it is a tie between the Marine Corps and the French Marines that is tremendous and they find it here with each other every year,” said Atkinson, an Anderson, Nev., native.

Though seldom mentioned in historic texts, The Battle for Belleau Wood has an endearing place in Marine Corps legacy and is known to all Marines as sacred ground where Marines and French troops fought together, an endearing partnership that has lasted to the present day.

“The links uniting U.S. Marines and French soldiers are ancient. They date back to the U.S. War of Independence and they have strengthened with all the events of the 20th century,” said French General Francis Autran, deputy chief of staff of “Plans and Programmes” at the French Army Staff.

“The brotherhood-in-arms seen here today, and this faithfulness to the memory of these heroes surrounding us and those who died since then in operations are the proof of strong links uniting our services and the values we share; values that the U.S. Marine Corps has maintained, making it an elite Corps,” said Autran.

The battle was fought by Americans under French command and many units received French decorations for their outstanding valor and courage. The 5th and 6th Marine Regiments are authorized to wear the French fourragère on their dress uniform as a result of being the only regiments in the American Expeditionary Force to receive the Croix de Guerre, an award for distinction in combat with the enemy, three times during the First World War.

“Because of the legendary Marines that earned the fourragère fighting side-by-side with our French friends, we’ve earned the right to wear it today,” said Sgt. Christopher M. Steward, an intelligence analyst with 5th Marine Regiment.”

The importance of this legacy continues today and we come here to commemorate what they did and what it means to our Marine Corps,” added the Merrimack, N.H., native.

Mayor of Belleau Monique Benier and Major Gen. Raymond C. Fox, commanding general of Marine Forces Africa and II Marine Expeditionary Force, were in attendance along with military officers and officials representing the U.S. and France.

The event also featured the laying of wreathes in commemoration of the fallen, a firing of volleys, the playing of "TAPS," raising of the American and French national colors, and a concert by the French military band.

Participating units from the U.S. Marines included 5th Marine Regiment, Marine Security Guard Detachment, the Wounded Warrior Regiment and Marine Forces Europe and Africa. French units that participated in the ceremony included the 21st Marine Infantry Regiment and the Musique Principale des Troupes de Marines.

The Memorial Day celebration is an annual even that is hosted by the American Battle Monuments commission, the guardian of America’s overseas commemorative cemeteries and memorials that honor the service, achievements and sacrifices of U.S. Armed Forces around the world.

“Here, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder in solidarity and in tribute to those who bravely fought for freedom and gave the last full measure … This was the kind of enduring freedom we celebrate today,” said Turner. “Just as our forefathers fought shoulder-to-shoulder, nearly 95 years ago … today, we continue to serve together in foreign lands. The legendary partnership between French soldiers and American Marines continues.”

• Date Taken: 05.28.2013
• Date Posted: 05.28.2013 05:38
• Story ID: 107631
• Location: BELLEAU, 1, FR
• Hometown: MERRIMACK, NH, US