American Battle Monuments Commission commemorates 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in Luxembourg
American Battle Monuments Commission commemorates 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in Luxembourg
Grand Duke of Luxembourg, King of Belgium, Luxembourg Prime Minister, among guests honoring U.S. service members who fought in Luxembourg during World War II
ARLINGTON, Virginia. (Dec. 14, 2024) — On Dec.14, the American Battle Monuments Commission hosted a ceremony at Luxembourg American Cemetery to commemorate the U.S. and allied forces who fought in the Battle of the Bulge 80 years ago.
Among the guests, HRH the Grand Duke of Luxembourg; His Majesty Philippe of Belgium; Prime Minister of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Luc Frieden; U.S. Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Thomas M. Barrett; and Chief of Staff of the U.S. European Command Maj. Gen. Peter B. Andrysiak; honored the World War II veterans in attendance including John “Jack” Foy, who spoke during the event, and their comrades who perished during the war.
“These sacrifices paved the way for liberation, reconstruction and peace,” said HRH the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. “It is our duty never to forget those who gave their lives.”
The commemoration overlooked the cemetery grounds, where more than 5,000 service members lie in rest, many of whom lost their lives in the Battle of the Bulge and in the advance to the Rhine River.
“Come here to the Luxembourg American Cemetery,” said ABMC Secretary Charles K. Djou, who also delivered remarks at the event on behalf of the commission. “Come see these crosses and these stars of David. Come and see what true sacrifice is about.”
For more than 100 years, the ABMC has been committed to its mission: honoring the service, achievements and sacrifices of the U.S. service members who made the ultimate sacrifice during American conflicts abroad, including the ones who fought in the Battle of the Bulge.
Pictures of the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge at Luxembourg American Cemetery available here: 80th anniversary of the Battle of Bulge ceremony at Luxembourg American Cemetery | Flickr
Credits: Courtesy of American Battle Monuments Commission.
For more information about ABMC, please visit our website abmc.gov or our social media platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About American Battle Monuments Commission:
The American Battle Monuments Commission operates and maintains 26 cemeteries and 31 federal memorials, monuments and commemorative plaques in 17 countries throughout the world, including the United States. The three memorials in the United States are: the Honolulu Memorial located within the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu; the West Coast Memorial located within the Presidio National Park in San Francisco; and the East Coast Memorial located within Battery Park in New York City. Since March 4, 1923, the ABMC’s sacred mission remains to honor the service, achievements, and sacrifice of more than 200,000 U.S. service members buried and memorialized at our sites. For more information about the ABMC, visit abmc.gov.
About Luxembourg American Cemetery:
Video and drone footage: Luxembourg American Cemetery | Flickr
Credits: Courtesy of American Battle Monuments Commission