Memorial Day Ceremony Held at the American Cemetery in Hamm

The annual Luxembourg-US Memorial Day at the American Military Cemetery in Luxembourg-Hamm took place on Saturday 28 May 2022, commemorating those men and women who have sacrificed their lives in military service.

United States (US) Ambassador to Luxembourg, Thomas Barrett, said: “At the graves of 5,070 brave American service members, who all hoped the war they saw would be the last, we reaffirm to them that their sacrifice for freedom has not been in vain.  In the face of the Russian aggression against a sovereign nation, the United States, Luxembourg, and our allies will continue to stand united for the values of democracy, peace and freedom.”

The ceremony commenced with the presenting of the colors by the 52nd Fighter Wing Honor Guard and the Luxembourg Army Color Guard. The invocation was given by His Eminence Monseigneur, the Cardinal Archbishop of Luxembourg, Jean-Claude Hollerich. US Ambassador to Luxembourg, Thomas Barrett, Principal Deputy Director of the Defence POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Fern Sumpter Winbush, and the Minister of Education, Children and Youth, Minister for Higher Education and Research, Claude Meisch, paid their respects during their speeches. Prayer of Remembrance was read by David Dana representing the Jewish Consistory of Luxembourg.

The official wreath laying ceremony, which included wreaths presented for HRH the Grand Duke, the United States of America, the Luxembourg Chamber of Deputies, the Government of Luxembourg, the Council of State, the City of Luxembourg, the Men and Women of the United States Armed Services- past and presen, and the Defence POW/MIA Accounting Agency, followed by several local organisations and authorities.

The official party included Thomas Barrett, the US Ambassador to Luxembourg, Mrs Kris Barrett, Paul Duhr, Marshall of the Court, Fernand Etgen, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Claude Meisch, the Minister of Education, Children and Youth, Minister for Higher Education and Research, Christoph Schiltz,  President of the Council of State, Simone Beissel, Alderwoman of Luxembourg City, Colonel Pascal Ballinger, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Luxembourg Army, Fern Sumpter Winbush, Principal Deputy Director of the Defence Pow/Mia Accounting Agency, Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Baker from the Office of Defence Cooperation of US Embassies of Belgium and Luxembourg, His Eminence Monseigneur the Cardinal Archbishop of Luxembourg Jean-Claude Hollerich, David Dana representing the Jewish Consistory of Luxembourg and Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Van Ness of the US Navy.

The Ceremony concluded with the 21-gun salute by the 52nd Fighter Wing Firing Detail, Taps and the national anthems performed by the Luxembourg Army Band, ending with the benediction from Chaplain Jeffrey Van Ness and the retiring of the colors.

At this public ceremony, Luxembourg Prime Minister, Xavier Bettel, gave a speech in honour of US soldiers who died liberating Luxembourg during the Second World War.

In his speech, he said: "Once again, we are gathered today in this military cemetery to honour the memory of all those American officers and soldiers who sacrificed their lives to liberate Luxembourg and Western Europe from Nazi tyranny".

In conclusion, PM Bettel stressed that this day should not only serve to pay tribute to the past, but also serve as a lesson for future generations: "This day must also be an opportunity for younger generations to learn more about our common history and to learn from humanity and tolerance the experiences of their parents and grandparents. Freedom and democracy are values ​​that require the continued commitment of all".

PM Bettel also laid a wreath at the ceremony.