Marines

II MEF Banner refresh

Jun 1, 2026

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Daniel Shipley, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, exchanges gifts with German Col. Heiko Bohnsack, Deputy Commander of the Franco-German brigade at the German Military Cemetery in Chateau-Thierry, France, May 23, 2026. Shilpey and Bohnsack exchanged the gifts after completing the German Military Cemetery memorial ceremony. Established in 2018 as an addition to the traditional Memorial Day ceremonies in Château-Thierry, the German Military Cemetery memorial ceremony commemorated the 108th anniversary of the Battle of Belleau Wood. While the observance honors the legacy of service members who gave their lives in defense of the United States and its European partners, it also serves as a solemn testament to the power of reconciliation. The ceremony is given with deep respect for the former adversaries, recognizing that the German nation—once a foe on these historic battlefields—has long since stood alongside us as a steadfast and enduring ally. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Donato Maffin)

CAMERA

ILCE-9

LENS

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM

APERTURE

63/10

SHUTTERSPEED

1/250

ISO

640

IMAGE IS PUBLIC DOMAIN

Read More

This photograph is considered public domain and has been cleared for release. If you would like to republish please give the photographer appropriate credit. Further, any commercial or non-commercial use of this photograph or any other DoD image must be made in compliance with guidance found at https://www.dimoc.mil/resources/limitations, which pertains to intellectual property restrictions (e.g., copyright and trademark, including the use of official emblems, insignia, names and slogans), warnings regarding use of images of identifiable personnel, appearance of endorsement, and related matters.

CAMERA

ILCE-9

LENS

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM

APERTURE

63/10

SHUTTERSPEED

1/250

ISO

640

II Marine Expeditionary Force