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Belleau, France – Every year, during Memorial Day weekend, a ceremony is held in Belleau, France to honor the legacy of fallen American service members who fought in the Battle of Belleau Wood, one of the bloodiest and most brutal battles of the First World War. As a visual reminder of reflection, an American and French flag are flown at half mast above thousands of white marble headstones at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, the final resting place for more than 2,000 American service members.
On May 26, 2024, U.S. Marines and Sailors with 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division (MARDIV) and the 2d MARDIV Band participated in the 106th anniversary ceremony of the Battle of Belleau Wood. Alongside the Marines and Sailors were the French and German militaries, who also paid their respects to the fallen of all three nations.
“The returning of today’s Marines keeps the Fighting Sixth connected to our heritage and cultivates a deeper appreciation for our allied partners on the international stage”, explained Sgt. Maj. Marcus Reese, the sergeant major of 6th Marine Regiment, 2d MARDIV.
During the anniversary ceremony, each Marine with 6th Marine Regiment wore their Dress Blue uniform along with the French Fourragere draped over their left shoulder. The fourragere, a green, braided cord, was awarded to Marines with 5th and 6th Marine Regiments in 1918 for their heroism and bravery during the battle. To this day, it is tradition that these specific regiments in the Marine Corps wear the fourragere on their dress uniform as a symbol of distinguished military honor.
“We carry an immense amount of pride because we have the privilege of wearing the French Fourragere. It is not just a cord we wear for decoration, the legacy it represents holds us to a higher standard”, stated Sgt. Ryan Leblanc, the wreath bearer for the ceremony and a squad leader with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d MARDIV.
Throughout their stay in France, Marines and Sailors were given a tour of the dense woods of Belleau, walking the same wheat fields their predecessors fought and conquered. The Marines, outnumbered and poorly supported at the time, were not expected to stand a chance against their adversaries, but they fought tirelessly and displayed the grit and strong-will that is ingrained in each Marine to this day.
“The ceremony was an opportunity to honor legends such as Sgt. Maj. Dan Daley and gave us an opportunity to remember the history of this battle and its impact on Marines today”, said Cpl. Noah Wilcox, one of the Marines who participated in the formation and a team leader with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d MARDIV.
Not only did Marines with 6th Marine Regiment distinguish themselves in the First World War, but so did the band. At the time, the sounds of the band represented many forms of communication, from signaling chow to mobilizing troops. They provided aid and were stretcher bearers in emergency situations, placing themselves in highly exposed positions.
“Learning about the efforts and actions of the band Marines during the First World War gave me a sense of pride. To learn that bandsmen were present during the advancement through the wheat fields of Belleau Wood sheds light on the efforts of a military job that is not often associated with combat”, said Sgt. Mike Onley, a trombone instrumentalist with the 2d MARDIV Band.
Marines with the 2d MARDIV Band introduced the beginning of the anniversary ceremony with the playing of the Marine Corps’ official march song, Semper Fidelis. Marching with precision, the band flawlessly led the formation of Marines, their instruments shining brilliantly in the light of the morning sun.
Along with visiting Belleau, the band performed a series of concerts and parades in the surrounding areas. The band’s week-long tour consisted of performances for children and adults, students, and wounded soldiers, strengthening the commitment the U.S. nation has to its allies.
“Music is a universal language. We are able to foster relationships through our music and it’s great to see our Marines work so hard to maintain and strengthen the bond with our allies. These visits are a reminder of our strength and reliability as an ally nation”, explained Staff Sgt. John Whitney, the production manager with the 2d MARDIV Band.
Learning from the past allows current generations to improve on the tactics and procedures that are still relevant to every Marine today. For Marines and Sailors with 2d MARDIV, this means carrying the legacy of those who came before them with pride, and staying ready and engaged for the next fight.
| Date Taken: | 06.27.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 06.28.2024 08:47 |
| Story ID: | 475016 |
| Location: | BELLEAU, FR |
| Web Views: | 42 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, A Legacy Remembered: 2d Marine Division Returns to Belleau Wood, by Sgt Alexa Hernandez, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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