On Oct. 19, 2024, at 3 p.m. CET, American Battle Monuments Commission hosted a ceremony at Epinal American Cemetery in Dinozé, France, to commemorate the service members who liberated Bruyères 80 years ago, including Nisei service members who fought in the Vosges area and are honored there.  

“This ceremony is significant,” said ABMC Secretary Charles K. Djou. “It recognizes the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the town of Bruyères. It is a reminder to all of us of what America has done. And my family has a connection to this place as I am from the State of Hawaii, as my wife has Japanese origins.”    

Approximately 400 guests including family members of Nisei service members, U.S. and ABMC officials as well as the local community gathered at Epinal American Cemetery for the ceremony. The ceremony included the posting of colors, the national anthem, a wreath laying, Taps, as well as remarks from dignitaries.   

Ceremony remarks were provided by Djou, Denis Masy, mayor of Bruyères, Anne Carli, general secretary of Vosges Prefecture and Sous-préfète of the Arrondissement of Epinal and Ms. Yvonne Gonzales, Consul general of the U.S. in Strasbourg. 

At the conclusion of the remarks, representatives of the families and associations placed wreaths alongside ABMC and official representatives from the United States and France. 

For more than 100 years, the ABMC has been committed to its mission: honoring the service, achievements and sacrifices of the U.S. service members who made the ultimate sacrifice during American conflicts abroad, including the ones who fought near Epinal American Cemetery.    

Sources:  

EPAC team 

ABMC brochures and documents