WWII80

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

The Battle of "Riva Ridge"

10th Mountain Division (LI) Soldiers traveled to Italy to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Riva Ridge, near Bologna, Italy, Feb. 18-19, 2025.

Between Feb. 18-19, 1945, 10th Mountain Division Soldiers (LI) executed a bold and lethal assault on Riva Ridge, overcoming impossible odds to seize crucial terrain and change the course of the war. The victory at Riva Ridge illustrates how continuous transformation in tactics and training ensures dominance on the battlefield, from World War II to today’s operational environments.

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.

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

August in WWII 80
- Aug. 15 : Operation Dragoon Landings
- Aug. 30 : Liberation of Reims
September in WWII 80
- Sep. 3: Liberation of Mons, Belgium - USAREUR-AF support to Tanks in Town commemoration
- Sep. 8: Liberation of Saint Vit, Fance 21st Theatre Sustainment Command support with a color guard.
- Sep. 8: Liberation of Corny-Sur-Moselle, Fance - 21st Theatre Sustainment Command will provide a color guard for ceremony.
- Sep. 12: Liberation of Mesch, Netherlands - USAREUR-AF support to the National start of liberation commemorations of the Netherlands ceremony
- Sep. 12 : USAREUR-AF support to the National Liberation Ceremony for Operation Market Garden commemoration at Margraten, Netherlands
- Sep. 13 : USAREUR-AF support to the Provincial kick-off to commemoration of 80 years of the liberation of the Netherlands in Meierij-stad, Netherlands
- Sep. 13 : Local residents, school children supported by 82nd Airborne Div. commemorating 80 years of liberation at Beek, Netherlands
- Sep. 13-14: Liberation of Luneville, France: 21st Theatre Sustainment Command will provide a color guard during ceremony in Corny-Sur-Moselle, France.
- Sep. 14: 101st Airborne Div. supporting the Old Hickory ceremony and the Ticker-tape parade at Maastricht, Netherlands
- Sep. 15: Liberation of Nancy, France - 2d Theater Signal Brigade will provide a troop formation in support of the Liberation of Nancy, France.
- Sep. 15: Liberation of Niederschaefolshiem, France - 21st Theatre Sustainment Command will provide a color guard for ceremony.
- Sep. 15: 101st Airborne Div. supporting commemorative events in Meierij-stad, Son (renaming bridge) and Sint-Oedenrode
- Sep. 16: Commemorative parachute jump at original dropzone supported by 101st Airborne Div. parachuting team
- Sep. 17: Official Commemoration of Market-Garden in Groesbeek, Netherlands with a speaker provided by the 82nd Airborne Brig.
- Sep. 17: Air Assault Demo in Eerde, Netherlands with a speaker from the 101st Airborne Div.
- Sep. 17: Liberation of Eerde - Ceremoney supported by 101st Airborne Div. speaker
- Sep. 17: Commemoration Ceremony in Son, Netherlands with a speaker from the 101st Airborne Div.
- Sep. 17: Commemoration Ceremony in Beek, Netherlands with a speaker from the 82nd Airborne Brig.
- Sep. 18: Unveiling Vector of Memory in Nijmegen, Netherlands with a USEMB speaker
- Sep. 18: Commemoration Barbaro / Gavin Monument in Mook, Netherlands supported by the 82nd Airborne Brig. laying a wreath
- Sep. 18: Joint reenactment Klondikes and LTF in Meierij-stad, Netherlands supported by the 101st Airborne Div.
- Sep. 18: Commemoration / unveiling new plaque in Goch, Netherlands supported by a 82nd Airborne Brig. speaker
- Sep. 19: Commemoration in Nijmegen, Ntherlands supported by the 82nd Airborne Brig. laying a wreath
- Sep. 19: Commemoration in Eindhoven, Netherlands supported by the 101st Airborne Div.
- Sep. 19: Ceremony at CPT Julian Cook plaque in Nijmegen, Netherlands supported by a speaker/chaplain of the 82nd Airborne Brig.
- Sep. 19: Sunset March and "Veteran of the Day" in Nijmegen, Netherlands supported by 101st Airborne Div.
- Sep. 20: River Crossing in Nijmegen, Netherlands supported by USAREUR-AF troops
- Sep. 21: U.S. Embassy and USAREUR-AF support to commemoration marches, ceremonies, reception and concert in Nijmegen, Waalcrossing, Oosterhout.
- Sep. 22: 101st Airborne Div. Band and Speaker supporting Unveiling Monument and Liberty Concert in Meierij-stad, Netherlands. 82nd Airborne Div. Chaplain supporting Church service at Oosterhout, Netherlands.
- Sep. 22: Liberation of Ettelbruck, Luxenbourg - USARER-AF band to participate in the 80th anniversary of the Liberation
October in WWII 80
- Oct. 2 - The 45th Infantry Division (Seventh Army) liberated Grandvillers, France.
- Oct. 7 - The 3rd Infantry Division (Seventh Army) liberated Vagnet, France.
- Oct. 19 - Liberation of Bruyères, France - USAREUR-AF Band & Chorus will support the ceremony commemorating the 80 Anniversary of the Liberation of Bruyère
- Oct. 21 - Aachen, Germany captured by U.S. 1st and 30th Infantry Divisions (First US Army).
November in WWII 80
- Nov. 16: Liberation of Crehange in Crehange, France
- Nov. 23: Liberation of Saint Marguerite, France - The USAREUR-AF Band & Chorus will support the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Saint Marguerite, France. This marks the 409th Infantry Regiments successful capture of 40 German soldiers after having pushed through German positions and liberating the commune of Sainte Marguerite.
- Nov. 23: Natzweiler-Struthof Commemoration, France - Struthof was the only Nazi concentration camp established on French soil during World War II. The annual ceremony commemorates the liberation of the camp and honors the memory of the victims of the Holocaust and other prisoners who suffered and perished there. The 7th Army was the unit that discovered the concentration camp and liberated the camp back in 1944. Though the 7th Army no longer exists as a distinct formation, its legacy continues through the modern U.S. Army Europe and Africa command.
December in WWII 80
- 13 December 2024: Bastogne War Museum Reception (BEL): The U.S. embassy reception at the Bastogne War Museum in Bastogne, Belgium.
- 13 December 2024: Bastogne War Museum Commemoration (BEL): U.S. Army Soldiers will participate in a commemoration ceremony at the Bastogne American Monument.
- 14 December 2024: Luxembourg American Ceremony Commemoration (LUX): U.S. Army Soldiers will participate in a ceremony at the American Battle Monuments Commission.
- 14 December 2024: Battle of the Bulge 80 Commemoration NUTS! Parade (BEL): U.S. Army Soldiers and military veterans will march in a parade in Bastogne, Belgium, followed by a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate the siege of the city.
JANUARY IN WWII 80
- 12 January 2025: Liberation of Wingen Sur Moder (FRA): The 10th Army Air and Missile Defense’s Color Guard participate in the Liberation of Wingen Sur Moder in Alsace, France.
- 17 January 2025: Liberation of Houffalize (BEL): U.S. Army Soldiers from the 56th Artillery Command will participate with a troop formation during the commemoration effort for the 80th anniversary the Liberation of Houffalize.
- 22 January 2025: Liberation of Anzio/Nettuno (ITL) U.S. European Armed Forces support ceremony and wreath laying to commemorate the Allied landings in Anzio/Nettuno.
- 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 will take marchers from Żagań, Poland to Spremberg, Germany.
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.
- 19 February 2025: "Riva Ridge" commemoration ceremonies - The 10th Mountain Division supporting commemoration ceremonieson for the Battle of "Riva Ridge"
MARCH in WWII 80
- 14 – 16 March 2025: WWII 80th French Presidential Unit Citation for the 101st ABN DIV (FRA) - The 101st Airborne Division band, color guard, troop formation and senior leaders participate in a commemoration ceremony recognizing the 80th anniversary of being awarded the French Presidential Unit Citation, in Mourmelon, France. The 101st ABN DIV is the only U.S. Army division to receive the citation. Mourmelon provided refuge and served as a site for rest and relaxation to the 101st ABN DIV troops during WWII preceding the Battle of the Bulge.
- 22 March 2025: WWII 80th Anniversary of the Rhine River Crossing at Nierstein (DEU) - The U.S. Army Europe and Africa Band and Chorus will support the 80th commemoration of the Rhine River Crossing by Gen. George Patton at Nierstein, Germany with a quintet. Senior leaders from the 249th Engineering Battalion, the historic unit, will be participating as a guest on behalf of the U.S. Army.
- 24 March 2025: WWII 80th Anniversary of Operation Varsity (DEU) - Soldiers from the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command and the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Band and Chorus will support the commemoration ceremony honoring the 80th anniversary of Operation Varsity in Hamminkeln, Germany. Operation Varsity was the largest airborne deployment operation ever conducted and the last one in WWII.
APRIL in WWII 80
24 April 2025: WWII 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Leipzig (DEU) - The U.S. Army Europe and Africa Band and Chorus' woodwind quintet supports the Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Leipzig. Held at the Monument of the Battle of the Nations.

27 April 2025: WWII 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Kaufering (DEU) - The 7th Army Training Command supports the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Kaufering Concentration Camp with a color guard and speaker. The liberation ceremony will be held on the grounds of former camp VII near Landsberg, Germany. Camp VII is the only remaining historical site in Germany where the original living quarters of prisoners and victims are preserved.

27 April 2025: WWII 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Flossenbuerg (DEU) - The 7th Army Training Command will support the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Flossenbuerg with a color guard.

5 May 2025: WWII 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Mauthausen (AUT) - The 7th Army Training Command will support the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Mauthausen Concentration Camp with a color guard and support platoon.

Currently in WWII 80 History: Rhineland Campaign Sep. 15, 1944 - March 24. 1945

Rhineland Campaign

The Rhineland Campaign consisted of multiple large-scale military operations during the last months of WWII in Europe. The two main objectives of these combined British, American and Canadian operations were to clear the area west of the Rhine and to accomplish the crossing of the Rhine river itself.

Related:
Read about the Rhineland Campaign history
More about the Rhineland Campaign

Operation Market Garden

The operation was an airborne attack launched in conjunction with a ground attack by the British Second Army. The two attacks were known collectively as Operation MARKET-GARDEN. The airborne attack was designed to lay a carpet of airborne troops along a narrow corridor into Holland from Eindhoven northward to Arnhem. Airborne troops were to secure bridges across a number of canals as well as across three major water barriers. The objective was to get Allied troops across the Rhine. Three main advantages expected: cutting the land exit of Germans remaining in western Holland; outflanking the enemy's frontier defenses; and positioning British ground forces for drive into Germany along the North German plain. The operation was a daring strategic maneuver that failed.

Related:
Read more about Operation Market - Garden
Photos, Videos and Stories of the commenmorations
Watch the Mini Documentary about Market Garden (done for the 70 year commemoration)

Battle of Aachen

The city of Aachen had been incorporated into the Siegfried Line, the main defensive network on Germany's western border. Allies had hoped to capture it quickly and advance into the industrialized Ruhr Basin.
It was one of the largest urban battles fought by U.S. forces in World War II, and is considered one of the toughest urban encounters in the entire war. As a result, Aachen became the first city on internationally recognized German soil to be captured by the Allies.

Related:
Read about the Battle of Aachen

Battle of Huertgen Forest

The Battle of Hürtgen Forest was a series of battles fought between American and German forces on the Western Front in the Hürtgen Forest, an area about 5 km east of the Belgian–German border. It was the longest battle on German ground during World War II and is the second longest single battle the U.S. Army has ever fought.

Related:
Read abpout the battles in the Huertigen Forest
More about the Huertigen Forest Battles

Battle of Arracourt

The Battle of Arracourt was a series of offensive and defensive actions lasting from Sept. 14 ‐ 29, 1944. Within this larger action, the Arracourt Tank Battle, “one of the bitterest tank battles of the entire war,” took place Sept. 19 ‐ 22. During the Arracourt Tank Battle, 37thTank Battalion was successful because it maximized its adherence to what we now call the characteristics of the defens.

Related:
Read about the Battle of Arracourt
Read about the Arracourt Tank Battle (P.222)

Battle of Metz

The Battle of Metz was fought from late September 1944 through mid-December between the U.S. Third Army commanded by Lieutenant General George Patton and the German Army commanded by General Otto von Knobelsdorff. Strong German resistance resulted in heavy casualties for both sides. The last of the forts defending Metz surrendered on 13 December.

Related:
Read about the Battle of Metz (P. 417)

Liberation of Strasbourg

The 2d French Armored Division, reached Strasbourg on 23 November. Within hours, the city was cleared with the Allied forces pushing north and south opposite the Rhine. By 27 November, after repulsing a German counterattack, the Seventh Army had secured a widening and dangerous salient into the German defensive line.

Operation Grenade

Operation Grenade was the crossing of the Roer river between Roermond and Düren by the U.S. Ninth Army, which marked the beginning of the Allied invasion of Germany. On 23 February 1945, the 84th Division crossed the Roer River in assault boats on a one battalion front. The 84th quickly advanced inland after the successful crossing. The crossing of the Roer River is an example of methodical and deliberate planning process needed for success in a large and complicated operation.

Related:
Read about Operation Grenade
Read about the Roer River Offensive

Battle of Remagen

U.S. forces captured the Ludendorff Bridge over the Rhine intact. They were able to hold it against German opposition and build additional temporary crossings. The presence of a bridgehead across the Rhine advanced by three weeks the Western Allies' planned crossing of the Rhine into the German interior.

Related:
Read about the Battle of Remagen

Rhineland Campaign

Operation Market Garden

Battle of Aachen

Battle of Huertgen Forest

Battle of Arracourt

Battle of Metz

Liberation of Strasbourg

Operation Grenade

Battle of Remagen

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

Ardennes-Alsace Campaign Dec. 16, 1944 - Jan. 25, 1945

Ardennes-Alsace Campaign

Battle of the Bulge

The Battle of the Bulge was a turning point in World War II and a symbol of victory for freedom. Today, our strong NATO Alliance continues to uphold those values. We remain unified in our commitment to securing a peaceful future. This year, like every year, we commemorate this battle by demonstrating our commitment to our Allies and partners, which allows us to effectively combat threats and ensure security in the European and African theaters.

Related:
Read about the Battle of the Bulge
Visit the Battle of the Bulge page

Battle of the Bulge Begins

Jan. 11, 2021 | 1:39

On Dec. 16, 1944, with the onset of winter, the German army launched a counteroffensive that was intended to cut through the Allied forces in a manner that would turn the tide of the war in Hitler's favor.
The battle that ensued is known historically as the Battle of the Bulge.
The courage and fortitude of the American Soldier was tested against great adversity. Nevertheless, the quality of his response ultimately meant the victory of freedom over tyranny.

Nuts!

Dec. 16, 2022 | 1:31

On Dec. 16, 1944, our forefathers entered in what was called “the greatest American battle of the war” , the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes region of Belgium was Adolf Hitler’s last major offensive in World War II against the Western Front.
During the brutal fighting in the winter of 1944 in the Ardennes Forest, the grit and determination of the Screaming Eagles saved the besieged City of Bastogne - and consequently a major turning point in the war, lasting six brutal weeks, from December 16, 1944, to January 25, 1945.

Battle of the Bulge

Dec. 16, 2019 | 2:28

December 1944 the German Army made a surprise attack on the American sector in the Ardennes Forest. This attack launched the Battle of the Bulge--the largest and bloodiest single battle fought by the U.S in #WWII. The Big Red One played a critical role in the U.S. Army stopping the German advancement.

Part of Something Bigger - A Reenlistment Story

Dec. 16, 2022 | 2:13

Staff Sgt. Michael E. Fyffe, a Soldier with 101st Airborne Division, reenlists with a small group of Soldiers in Bastogne, Belgium on Dec. 10, 2022. Festivities and parades were held all week in commemoration of the 78th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. In this video, Fyffe reflects on his choice to reenlist in such a historical place and the sacrifices made by the Soldiers of the 101st.

WWII75: Bastogne remembers with parade

Dec. 14, 2019 | 0:48

The city of Bastogne recently held the commemoration of the Siege of Bastogne parade, part of the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge commemoration on December 12th, 2019. The 101st Airborne Division participated in the parade that included hanging wreaths at the General George S. Patton Memorial and The General Anthony McAuliffe memorial and concluded with the "Jet de Noix" (throwing of the nuts) from the balcony of the Town Hall by city representatives and government officials.

Veteran Harry Miller describes Battle of the Bulge

March 13, 2019 | 2:42

World War II veteran Harry Miller describes how his ill-equipped 740th Tank Battalion, against all odds, stopped a massive German offensive in December 1944.

Battle of the Bulge: Jim Sharp

Jan. 28, 2020 | 2:51

Battle of the Bulge veteran Jim Sharp reflects on the time he entered the Army over 75 years ago. His determination, selfless service, and bravery, landed him in the thick of the fight in the Ardennes Forest during the Battle of the Bulge in January 1945.

Ardennes-Alsace Campaign

Battle of the Bulge

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