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USAREUR-AF support to 80th anniversary of WWII
WWII 80 Commemoration
This year U.S. armed forces members stationed in Europe, and from U.S.-based units with historical links to WWII events, recognize and honor the men and women of the "Greatest Generation" by performing music, marching in parades and honoring the actions and sacrifices of allied nations during the commemorative period of 80 years since World War II.
The continued commitment to honor the historic significance of WWII and the sacrifices made, connects the strength of alliance and dedicated resolve during WWII to NATO strength and unity today. 
 
The following page will give an update on the support of U.S. Forces to the commemoration of the events throughout the commemorative period of 80 years since World War II.

To see more photos, videos and stories of commemorations during the 80th anniversary of WWII go here: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/WWII80inEurope

Recent Events - 80th Commemoration of the Long March

On Jan. 27, 1945, ten thousand Allied POWs were forced to march 60 miles from Stalag Luft III in Żagań, Poland (formerly Sagan, Germany) to Spremberg, Germany, as Nazi forces evacuated their camps ahead of the advancing Soviet army. Enduring one of the coldest winters on record, many did not survive what became known as the Long March.
Eighty years later, 147 U.S. Army Soldiers, allied service members from Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom, and POW descendants retraced their footsteps to honor their legacy. This video documents their journey in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Long March.

  • 24 – 26 January 2025: 80th Anniversary of the Long March (POL, DEU): The 1st Cavalry Division troops participate in a reenactment of “The Long March,” a four-month march of Allied POWs westward across Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Germany in extreme winter conditions, between January and April 1945. The route takes marchers from Żagań, Poland to Spremberg, Germany.

Commemoration Timeline
  • FEBRUARY in WWII 80
    • 1 – 2 February 2025: WWII 80 Liberation Events: Liberation of Colmar (FRA)  The USAREUR-AF Band will participate in ceremony commemorating the Liberation of Colmar, France. The 12th Combat Aviation Brigade will support the event with a fly over. 
    • 3 February 2025: Commemoration of the Battle for the Pocket of Colmar (FRA) The 3rd Infantry Division troops march in a parade to support the commemoration of the Battle for the Pocket of Colmar, France.

    • 15 February 2025:  WWII 80 - 80th Anniversary Commemoration of the Victims of the Death Marches from Gross-Rosen Concentration Camp (POL) The U.S. Army will participate in the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary Commemoration of the Victims of the Gross-Rosen Concentration Camp, in Rogoznica, Poland, on January 15, 2025.

80th Commemoration of the Battle of the Bulge
Ardennes-Alsace Campaign Dec. 16, 1944 - Jan. 25, 1945
Coming up in WWII 80: Rhineland Campaign Sep.15, 1944 - March 24. 1945

WWII events of the 80 years commemoration period that have already passed this year.

Market Garden

Approximately 120 Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division and the 82nd Airborne Division, alongside approximately 300 troops from the Netherlands, U.S., U.K., Canada, and Poland honored the service and sacrifice of the Greatest Generation by participating in more than 60 ceremonies and events in the Dutch provinces of Limburg, Brabant, and Gelderland. 

Events were also supported by Soldiers from the XVIII Airborne Corps. Two senior representatives of the historic 30th Infantry Division, Brig. Gen. Charles W. Morrison and Col. Paul Hollenack are scheduled to support the commemorative events.

Market Garden Videos
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Operation Market Garden - 80th Anniversary 17 Sep

  • 82nd Airborne Division
  • Sept. 17, 2024 | 0:45

On Sep. 17, 2024, Paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division joined with the communities of Grave and Groesbeek to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Operation Market Garden. Each year, U.S. Army units partner with Dutch communities across the Netherlands to celebrate their shared history from the campaign and the initial liberation of the Netherlands during World War II. (Video by U.S. Army Maj. Matthew Diaz)

Liberation of Mons
Liberation of Belgium
Liberation of Belgium
USAG Benelux Soldiers visited several communities during the first days of September to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Belgium’s liberation during World War II. In the cities and towns of Mons, Cendron, Rumes, Saint-Remy and Monceau-Imbrechies, garrison leaders and color guard members joined Belgian Allies in honoring the service and sacrifices of U.S. soldiers, Belgian forces and members of the Belgian Resistance to free Belgium from Nazi occupation.
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U.S. Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, participate in the Tanks in Town commemoration event in Mons, Belgium, Sept. 1, 2024. The weekend-long event culminated in a military parade through the surrounding communities and the streets of Mons. This is one of many outreach events that V Corps Soldiers participated in across Europe this year. Events like this help connect the U.S. military with local communities and inspire trust and confidence in the capabilities and skills of the Soldiers of V Corps. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Zoe Y. Tourne)
Liberation of Mons - Tanks in Town 2024
1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division participated in the Tanks in Town commemoration event in Mons, Belgium, Sept. 1, 2024. The weekend-long event culminated in a military parade through the surrounding communities and the streets of Mons. This is one of many outreach events that V Corps Soldiers participated in across Europe this year. Events like this help connect the U.S. military with local communities and inspire trust and confidence in the capabilities and skills of the Soldiers of V Corps.
Southern France Campaign - Operation Dragoon
Normandy Campaign June 6 - July 24, 1944