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SPEECH | Nov. 11, 2018

Remarks as Prepared for Delivery for Admiral James G. Foggo III During Armistice Day, Nov. 11, 2018, at Suresnes American Cemetary, France

Mesdames/Messieurs, Français/Françaises, mes amis Américains, invités distingués, confrères militaires, et surtout… anciens combattants, BONJOUR !

Quelle belle journée pour une cérémonie où nous nous souvenons de ceux qui ont donné leurs vies au service de la patrie. Tout d’abord, je voudrais remercier Monsieur John Wessels pour la visite privée du cimetière, et le Superintendant Adjoint, Monsieur Matthew Brown, qui s’occupe si soigneusement de cette terre sacrée pour nos mille cinq cent soixante-cinq Américains enterrés ici.

Je voudrais également remercier le maire de Suresnes, Monsieur Christian Dupuy

Votre présence nous honore.

Aujourd'hui, j’occupe les responsabilités de commandant des forces interarmées de l’OTAN à Naples en Italie et de Commandement des Forces Américaines Navales en Europe et en Afrique…de l'Arctique à l'Afrique du Sud.

Je ne suis pas étranger à la France. En fait, je dois avouer que je suis un grand Francophile. J’ai eu la chance de faire mes études à Sciences Po Strasbourg. C’est à ce moment que j’ai été captivé par « La Déclaration des droits de l'homme et du citoyen. » Les idées de cette œuvre fondamentale ont forgé l’esprit de nos deux pays.

Aujourd’hui, je reste fidèle à ces idéaux communs entre nos deux nations. Ces mots résonnent toujours dans ma tête:

« LIBERTE, EGALITE… FRATERNITE ! »

Il y a cent ans, les jeunes « Sammies » de l’oncle Sam ont traversé l’Atlantique convaincus par cet idéal. Avec passion et courage, ils ont rejoint les « Bleuets » de France sur le champs de bataille.

« Lafayette, Nous Voilà ! »

Parmi ces valeureux soldats, mon grand-père a combattu pour la liberté. Après lui, animé par les mêmes valeurs, son fils, mon père, a débarqué en Normandie en 1944. Aujourd’hui je poursuis cet héritage.

Nous voici donc, à Suresnes…dans un cimetière paisible où se trouvent nos héros.

Bon…si vous me permettez, je vais continuer en anglais…



One hundred years ago in 1917, American Expeditionary Forces joined French and Allied armies with the intent of defeating the Central Powers. The Allies marshaled a vast military force. They achieved victory.

Yet in that terrible war, as in all wars, our soldiers paid a profound price. As we gather under the timeless gaze of the Angel of Peace, we recall those who remain long after the guns went silent.

They were in their springtime when they left their homes so far away. They were young and vibrant, with great hopes for the future. Still, they left their families to fight for liberty and, in doing so, they sacrificed their tomorrows for ours; their dreams for our future.

They asked themselves the same questions young service men and women ask today: “Will I be brave? Will I do the right thing? Will I make my family proud?”

I know they did.

Through their actions, they accomplished the full measure of their duties. Their bravery and sacrifice laid the foundation for an immense victory.

The enemy force was strong. They were here on these very fields: well led, supremely confident, and vastly experienced. And the cost to defeat them -- paid by these men and women-- was heart-breaking.

Looking out we see a mass of headstones. The sheer numbers show the Allies' resolve.

These were perilous times. In the Chapel, bronze tablets name the souls lost at sea. They sailed courageously toward a continent engulfed in a War to End All Wars. They never returned.

“Peaceful is their sleep in glory.”

And so, as the seasons pass, they rest together. They all are now one with France; part of a glorious fraternity.

We know they had a profound hope for the future, because, though they would not see it themselves, they were willing to die to secure it.

We trust these heroes find solace in knowing that the world they bequeathed to us was worth their sacrifice. Now it is up to all of us…

Those who forged victory in World War I reach out in spirit to today’s young patriots who are still fighting for freedom in distant lands; giving of themselves so that others may have a brighter future.

We are honored to call such men and women – past and present – Americans. Americans who joined their Allied brothers and sisters to demonstrate unequaled resolve to combat tyranny, and in so doing, inspired the formidable Alliance we maintain today. We are inspired by their service and humbled by their sacrifice.

As we pause one morning each November to give thanks for those who left us too soon, we have the peace of mind to remember: the ground under our feet is the very ground these heroes fought to free. The same earth they died to free.

Si vous me permettez, je vais conclure avec le souvenir de mon père. Mon père a toujours gardé un grand respect pour la commémoration de chaque onze Novembre, chaque Armistice.

Il m’a appris et me rappelait toujours la devise du Vingt Deuxième Régiment Canadien, dans lequel il a servi. C’est assez simple:

« JE ME SOUVIENS, JE ME SOUVIENS ! »

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