Memorial Day 2013 at Normandy American Cemetery

The 2013 Memorial Day Ceremony at Normandy American Cemetery in France honored the sacrifices of the nearly 11,000 individuals that are buried or memorialized at this site. Highlights from the ceremony included:

• Playing of “Marseillaise” and the “Star Spangled Banner”  on the carillon
• Welcoming  remarks by Hans H. Hooker, Superintendent at Normandy American Cemetery

• Opening remarks by René Huard, American Overseas Memorial Day Association
• A reception, hosted by the AOMDA, followed the ceremony.
• Invocation by Bishop Jean-Claude Boulanger, Hans H. Hooker, and Rabbi Schmuel Lubeck
• Guest speakers Robert J. Tate, U.S. Consul; Michel Lalande, Prefect of Lower Normandy Region & Calvados Department; Patrick Thomines, Mayor of Colleville-sur-Mer; and Brig. Gen. Kevin Mc Neely,  U.S. European Command  in German
• Benediction by Bishop Jean-Claude Boulanger
• Laying of wreaths and decoration of graves
• Playing of “Taps” and raising of the colors
• Retiring of the colors
• Participation of troops:  U.S. European Command Color Guard – Germany