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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:
29 April 2025: WWII 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Dachau (DEU)
The USAREUR-AF Band, U.S. Army National Guard and 7th Army Training Command supported the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Dachau concentration camp with a musical element and color guard. Read the story  about the event  and the memorial plaque was unveiled in honor of the 45th “Thunderbird” Infantry Division of the U.S. Seventh Army: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/496540/
 
​27 April 2025: WWII 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Kaufering (DEU) 

The 7th Army Training Command supported the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Kaufering Concentration Camp with a color guard and speaker. The liberation ceremony was 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.

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 supported the commemoration ceremony honoring the 80th anniversary of Operation Varsity in Hamminkeln, Germany. Operation Varsity was the largest single day, single location airborne deployment operation ever conducted and the last one in WWII.

 

WWII 80th Anniversary of the Rhine River Crossing at Nierstein (DEU) - 22 March 2025:

U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) service members joined German military leaders, veterans, and local officials on March 22, 2025, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the historic Rhine River crossing. The event honored the bravery and sacrifice of Allied forces who led the pivotal river assault in March 1945, securing a strategic foothold in Nazi Germany and accelerating the final victory in Europe. The commemoration reinforced the enduring partnership between the United States and Germany and underscored a shared commitment to regional security and stability.

A highlight of the event was the crossing of the Rhine by a DUKW amphibious transport vehicle, symbolizing the daring river operations that enabled U.S. forces to advance deeper into enemy territory. The ceremony featured a wreath-laying, remarks from military and civilian leaders, and a historical exhibit displaying artifacts and firsthand accounts from the 1945 campaign. Among the attendees was Helen Patton, granddaughter of General George S. Patton, who paid tribute to the Soldiers whose courage helped turn the tide of the war. The event brought together American and German service members, reflecting on the lasting impact of the Allied efforts and the strength of transatlantic cooperation.

The commemoration underscored USAREUR-AF’s ongoing commitment to honoring history while maintaining readiness for the future. By recognizing the sacrifices of those who fought in the Rhine River crossing, the event reinforced the importance of collective defense and multinational partnerships. As the U.S. Army continues to train and operate alongside its European allies, ceremonies like this serve as a powerful reminder of the shared history and enduring alliances that continue to shape today’s security landscape.

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
  • MAY in WWII 80
    2 – 6 May 2025: 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Pilsen Events (CZE) - The city of Pilsen will be holding a series of celebration events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the city’s liberation by the U.S. Army in World War II. The following U.S. Army support will be provided: 
    • Static Displays, “Convoy of Liberty” Event supported by V Corps providing tactical vehicles and crew to participate in the annual parade symbolizing the arrival of liberating forces.
    • USAREUR-AF providing troop formation, a color guard and band musical support team to participate in a commemorative ceremony dedicated to remembering the U.S. Army units involved in Pilsen’s liberation.
    • Wreath Laying Ceremony, where senior leaders will be laying a wreath at memorial dedicated to honoring the U.S. Soldiers who participated in the liberation.
     

    11 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

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

Ardennes-Alsace Campaign Dec. 16, 1944 - Jan. 25, 1945
80th Commemoration of the Battle of the Bulge
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
Play Play

U.S. Army Europe and Africa Conduct Exercise Dynamic Front 25

  • 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
  • Nov. 21, 2024 | 1:53

SYNOPSIS
U.S. Troops, assigned to units from 56th Artillery Command, with NATO allies and partners facilitate artillery fire during exercise Dynamic Front 25. Dynamic Front takes place from Nov. 4-24 in Finland, Estonia, Germany, Poland, and Romania, and demonstrates NATO’s ability to share fire missions, target information, and operational graphics from the Arctic to the Black Sea. It increases the lethality of the Alliance through long-range fires, builds unit readiness in a complex joint, multinational environment, and leverages host nation capabilities to increase USAREUR-AF’s operational reach. Dynamic Front includes more than 1,800 U.S. and 3,700 multi-national service members from 28 Allied and partner nations. (U.S. Army video by Spc. Elijah Magaña)

Footage includes Dynamic Front 25 operations of the U.S. Army, Finnish Defense Forces, French Armed Forces, Army of the Czech Republic, Italian Armed Forces, British Army, and Swedish Armed Forces. Total participants of Dynamic Front 25 include Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, the United Kingdom and the U.S.


–SHOTLIST–
(00:00) AFTERMATH OF M270A2 MULTIPLE LAUNCH ROCKET SYSTEM FIRES
(00:03) VARIOUS SHOTS - RAVAJARVI TRAINING AREA, ROVANIEMI, FINLAND
(00:11) SOLDIERS OPERATE THE M270A2 MLRS “PATSY”
(00:15) VARIOUS SHOTS - U.S. AND FINNISH SOLDIERS INTERACT
(00:17) FINNISH SOLDIERS BESIDE K9 MOUKARI HOWITZER
(00:20) VARIOUS SHOTS - NATO FORCES PREPARE ARTILLERY
(00:22) VARIOUS SHOTS - U.S, BRITISH, AND FRENCH ARMY OPERATE COMMAND POST
(00:29) FINNISH SOLDIERS OPERATE K9 MOUKARI HOWITZER
(00:30) BRITISH ARMY ARCHER HOWITZER
(00:31) M270A2 MULTIPLE LAUNCH ROCKET SYSTEM
(00:33) K9 MOUKARI
(00:36) VARIOUS SHOTS - NATO FORCES OPERATE COMMAND POST
(00:39) VARIOUS SHOTS - U.S. SOLDIERS PERFORM SAFETY CHECK ON M777A2 HOWITZER
(00:49) VARIOUS SHOTS - M270A2 MLRS AND OTHER VEHICLES
(01:02) K9 MOUKARI
(01:06) FINNISH AIR FORCE F/A-18 FIGHTER JET
(01:12) VARIOUS SHOTS - U.S. SOLDIERS
(01:17) FRENCH CAESAR SELF-PROPELLED HOWITZER
(01:19) M777A2 HOWITZER
(01:21) - U.S. SOLDIERS PREPARE ARTILLERY ROUNDS
(01:23) FRENCH CAESAR SELF-PROPELLED HOWITZER
(01:25) M270A2 MLRS FIRES
(01:28) FINNISH F/A-18 FIGHTER JET DROPS 500LBS BOMB DIRECTLY ON TARGET
(01:31) M270A2 MLRS FIRES
(01:33) FRENCH CAESAR SELF-PROPELLED HOWITZER FIRES
(01:37) ITALIAN 155MM FH70 HOWITZER FIRES
(01:39) M119 A3 FIRES
(01:41) BRITISH ARCHER FIRES
(01:41) M270A2 MLRS FIRES
(01:44) FIRE TRAILS FROM THE M270A2 MLRS

–SOUNDBITES–
(00:07) SOUNDBITE (U.S.) CAPT. CHARLES MARSHALL, A U.S. SOLDIER ASSIGNED TO FIELD ARTILLERY SQUADRON, 2ND CAVALRY REGIMENT
“It’s an excellent training opportunity for everybody involved. Just to know how to plan together.”

(00:16) SOUNDBITE (U.S.) COMMAND SGT. MAJ. PHILLIP T. COLE, BATTALION COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR FOR 1ST BATTALION, 6TH FIELD ARTILLERY REGIMENT
“It’s just fitting that we are up here with our NATO allies”

(00:19) SOUNDBITE (U.S.) CAPT. JASON R. PULIDO, AN INTELLIGENCE OFFICER ATTACHED TO 56TH ARTILLERY COMMAND
“And then when the live fire happens, we will make sure everyone is on plan.”

(00:23) SOUNDBITE (U.S.) CAPT. CHARLES MARSHALL, A U.S. SOLDIER ASSIGNED TO FIELD ARTILLERY SQUADRON, 2ND CAVALRY REGIMENT
"The biggest focus of this exercise is on Artillery Systems Cooperation Activities, which is the program that enables Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System, to communicate across all NATO forces. So, they've been out shooting and we provide command post support."

(00:41) SOUNDBITE (U.S.) SPC. NOLAN GOAD, A U.S. SOLDIER ASSIGNED TO “BULLDOG” BATTERY, 1ST SECTION, FIRE ARTILLERY SQUADRON, 2ND CAVALRY REGIMENT
“And from there we're going to put in the mission they sent us. That way, we can shoot effectively. We make sure that we shoot safe and accurate fire."

(00:52) SOUNDBITE (U.S.) ARMY CAPT. KURT W. ROSSI, THE HEADQUARTERS AND HEADQUARTERS BATTERY COMMANDER FOR 41ST FIELD ARTILLERY BRIGADE
“Vehicles were ready to go and we were able to get them deployed up here to Finland with no issues. It's great training for our soldiers, who aren't exposed to these types of extreme cold weather environments before.”

(01:10) SOUNDBITE (U.S.) SPC. JONATHAN MCGRIFF, A RADAR OPERATOR ASSIGNED TO 41ST FIELD ARTILLERY BRIGADE
“It's real interesting being in a different environment. So, you have to be on your toes working with more extreme weather and learning how to problem solve.”

(01:22) SOUNDBITE (U.S.) COMMAND SGT. MAJ. PHILLIP T. COLE, THE BATTALION COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR FOR 1ST BATTALION, 6TH FIELD ARTILLERY REGIMENT
“When artillery fires, it always shakes the earth.”

(01:45) SOUNDBITE (U.S.) COMMAND SGT. MAJ. PHILLIP T. COLE, THE BATTALION COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR FOR 1ST BATTALION, 6TH FIELD ARTILLERY REGIMENT
“Stronger together.”

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.
Read the full story
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