On May 24, the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg, in collaboration with the American Battle Monuments Commission, conducted the annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Luxembourg American Cemetery. This event honored military personnel who lost their lives while serving.
Michael Konstantino, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, stated: “On Memorial Day, we honor those whose sacrifice secured our freedom and pledge to defend the peace they forged. Today, our collective security relies on the readiness of every Ally. Europe, and every nation within it, including Luxembourg, must continue to step up and strengthen its investment in its own defense. It is a modest price to safeguard the freedoms earned through such profound sacrifice.”
The ceremony began with a presentation of colors and a flyover by the 37th Airlift Squadron from Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany. Speeches were delivered by Michael Konstantino; Her Excellency Yuriko Backes, Minister of Defense; and Brigadier General Troy D. Havener.
A wreath-laying ceremony followed with tributes for HRH the Grand Duke, the United States of America, Luxembourg's government bodies, and others.
The official attendees included Michael Konstantino; Mr. Shalom Konstantino; Her Excellency Sasha Baillie; Her Excellency Yuriko Backes; His Excellency Fernand Etgen; His Excellency Marc Thewes; Mr. Claude Radoux; Brigadier General Troy D. Havener; Colonel Pascal Ballinger; Major Justin Smith; and Chaplain Captain James L. Dance.
The event concluded with a gun salute by the 52d Fighter Wing Honor Guard of the U.S. Air Force, performances by bands from both Luxembourg Army and U.S. Air Forces in Europe, followed by a benediction from Chaplain Captain James Dance.
Memorial Day is observed in the United States on the last Monday of May to honor military members who died during service. Initially called Decoration Day after the Civil War for honoring fallen soldiers from that conflict, it was officially named Memorial Day after World War I to commemorate all military personnel who died during service. In 1971, Congress designated it as a federal holiday.