File:2010-09-05 USAG Benelux Liberation Memorial Monceau-Imbrechies.jpg

English: Commemoration honoring the first U.S. Soldiers who died at the Liberation of Belgium USAG Benelux participated in a commemorative ceremony in Monceau-Imbrechies, near Chimay, Belgium, Sept.5 to honor the memories of the first twelve U.S. Soldiers who died here Sept. 2, 1944, shortly after the 9th Infantry Division had crossed the French border to liberate Belgium during World War II. Command Sgt. Maj. Allan K. Fairley, the garrison’s command sergeant major and Lt. Col. Francisco J. Rivera, Director of plans, training, mobilization and security, represented the command group and laid a wreath on behalf of the local Belgian-American Foundation. The monument features the U.S. Army’s star coming into a map of Belgium, symbolizing the liberation of the country by the U.S. troops. The USAG Benelux color guard also joined the U.S. and Belgian representatives in attendance – Left guard: Spec. Nicholas Berger, headquarters and headquarters company, USAG Benelux; right guard: Spec. Jonathan Ellis, also from headquarters and headquarters company, USAG Benelux; Belgian flag bearer: Cpl. Royce May, SHAPE Healthcare Facility; U.S. flag bearer: Sgt. Steven Whetton, Benelux Finance Office. The non-commissioned officer in charge of the color guard was Sgt. Timothy Strick from the USAG Benelux directorate of emergency services. (U.S. Army photos by Marie-Lise Baneton)