American Veteran’s Honored During Wreath-Laying Ceremony in Tunisia

Courtesy Photo | U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia Gordon Gray, Vice Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., commander of the U.S. 6th Fleet, and Col. John E. Chere Jr., Defense Attaché, arrive at the North Africa American Cemetery for the Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony honoring American veterans. The North Africa American Cemetery is one of 24 American cemeteries on foreign soil and covers 27 acres of land between the Mediterranean Sea and the Bay of Tunis. Established in 1948, the cemetery holds the graves of 2,841 service members who died while serving during the World War II North Africa campaign.  

TUNIS, TUNISIA

11.10.2010

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet

TUNIS, Tunisia - More than 70 guests came together in observances during a Veteran’s Day wreath-laying ceremony at the North Africa Cemetery here, Nov. 10.

During the ceremony wreaths were laid on behalf of the president of the United States and the U.S. military, U.S. Africa Command, 34th Division and the American Battlefield Cemetery.

Gordon Gray, U.S. ambassador to Tunisia and Vice Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., commander of the U.S. 6th Fleet were guest speakers, and spoke about the veterans whose lives were cut short and the host country of Tunisia.

“I am honored and humbled to be here today, humbled by those whose lives were cut short,” said Gray, during the opening remarks of ceremony. “It is a shared obligation to remember those in uniform who lost their lives.”

Established in 1948 the North Africa American Cemetery is one of 24 American cemeteries on foreign soil and covers 27 acres of land between the Mediterranean Sea and the Bay of Tunis. The cemetery holds the graves of service members who died while serving during the World War II North Africa campaign.

“We shall never forget the 2,841 American sons and daughters who lay here before us... and the 3, 724 missing whose names are engraved on the Wall of the Missing. We must never forget,” said Harris. “We know without a doubt that these men and women passed the test. Without a doubt they proved they had what it takes when faced with danger and death. I offer my salute to those here today, those who never made it home, for their commitment and for not failing when duty called.”

Harris also spoke about service members in conflicts around the world today. “Today, at this very moment, soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines stand again in harm’s way defending our very way of life. Just like those here, today’s warriors – men and women who wear proudly the cloth of the nation.

The ceremony concluded with the playing of taps, a moment of silence and the retirement of the colors.

• Date Taken: 11.10.2010
• Date Posted: 11.10.2010 13:26
• Story ID: 59848
• Location: TUNIS, TN