Over Memorial Day weekend, Erick and I took the kids with us to France for a special weekend.
We attended a special ceremony in Cantigny. Cantigny is a tiny town of little more than 100 residents, but it has had a big impact on the history of Erick's Army unit. Erick is part of the 28th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Black Lions of Cantigny. The soldiers of the 28th Infantry Regiment were the first American troops to set foot in Europe during World War I. And Cantigny is the first place where they fought. It is where they got their name. It is where a monument now stands in their memory.
Sadly, our unit in Europe is shutting down. To symbolize this fact, Erick's battalion held a casing ceremony. This is where our commander LTC Lindsay officially cased (folded up and stored) the regimental flag.
We were so fortunate to have this event coincide with the yearly community ceremony that takes place on Memorial Weekend. Take a look.
There are actually a few memorials in Cantigny. This one is where the first part of the ceremony took place. This monument reminds us that this is the first place Americans fought in WWI. Dignitaries from around the area came and placed flowers and wreaths at the base of the monument:
The second monument is dedicated exclusively to the Black Lions of Cantigny. In front of this statue, our battalion placed flowers and cased the colors:
This was such a neat event. I'm so glad I was able to witness it. Here are some last photos of the soldiers, the local residents, and even our family in front of the Black Lion memorial statue:
5 comments:
That is really cool that you got to be a part of that ceremony. It's kind of sad they are closing that part of Army history but it's nice that there are monuments to preserve the memory.
Amazing weekend. Most French (outside Paris) still really appreciate all that the Americans did for them. Great pictures Tera.
Awesome pictures! I got a bit teary thinking about such an amazing chapter closing in Europe. What a neat thing to be a part of.
You did SO GREAT on these pictures! And really, what a special thing to be a part of. I didn't realize all the details that the 28th Infantry Regiment were the first in Europe during WWI. Why couldn't it be the last to leave?!? Ha ha. You did such a great job capturing the close of a wonderful chapter in ARMY HISTORY. Wow. So neat!
I had seen this when you first posted it. But I was on my phone and couldn't comment. I love following your blog. I often look but I don't always have the time to get on my actual computer so I can comment. It has been a lot of fun sitting at the computer on my vacation and really looking at your amazing pictures and being able to let you know how very much I appreciate being able to take a little peek at the amazing adventure you are having in Germany! I love you all so much!!
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