April 11, 2024

'A solemn reflection'

By The American Legion
FODPAL
‘A solemn reflection’
Left to right: Daniel Lopez-Bonaglia, Todd Johnson and Jerry Griffis. All three served with U.S. Army Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Austin Baker)

FODPAL post’s color guard participates in World War II battle commemoration.

Members of the Riley L. Pitts American Legion Post GR07 (Wiesbaden, Germany) color guard played an active part in the Battle of Remagen’s 79th anniversary wreath-laying ceremony, held March 7 at the base of the former Ludendorff Railway Bridge in Remagen, Germany, over the Rhine River. The battle took place March 7-25, 1945, when American forces unexpectedly captured the bridge intact. 

Post Commander Todd Johnson was one of the participants, but praised fellow members Daniel Lopez-Bonaglia and Post Adjutant Jerry Griffis: “Dan and Jerry did a great job … I could not be more proud of them.”

The American Forces Network took video of the ceremony. 2025 will mark the 80th anniversary of the battle and capture.

  • FODPAL