BELLEAU: High-ranking military officials from the US, France and Germany have taken part in Memorial Day ceremonies at an American cemetery in northern France to mark the centennial of the battle of Belleau Wood, a turning point in World War I and a founding event for the Marine Corps.
The ceremony at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in the village of Belleau on Sunday included speeches by military officials, including Gen. Robert Neller, commandant of the US Marine Corps, prayers, wreath laying, reading of poems and the national anthems of the three countries.
A crowd of more than 5,000 attended the event celebrating the fierce and deadly monthlong battle considered as the first major engagement of US troops in the war, especially Marines whose bravery helped the Allied Forces win in Belleau.
US Marines’ bravery celebrated 100 years after French battle
