Honoring the fallen, uniting the living: A legacy rekindled at African Lion 2025
10:54 AM5/25/2025
DODJI, Senegal – During African Lion 2025, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Gabay and Royal Netherlands Army Capt. Lars Roijen rekindled a personal and historical connection that began at a World War II cemetery in Margraten, Netherlands. After discovering that Gabay’s great uncle was buried there, Roijen—whose hometown is Margraten—adopted the grave, honoring a Dutch tradition dating back to the war. Now serving together at AL25 in Senegal, the two Soldiers embody the enduring bonds between allies. Their story highlights the human connections behind military cooperation and reflects the spirit of African Lion: strengthening partnerships, honoring shared sacrifice, and building a safer future together.
U.S. Military Members from U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, U.S.Army Garrison Italy, Aviano Air Base, Camp Darby Military Community and Military Veterans honored their comrades who lost their life for our freedom, at Florence Memorial Cemetery, Italy, May 30, 2022. Consul General of the United States in Florence, Ragini Gupta read the Presidential Proclamation to open the commemoration ceremony. Guests of honor were the United States Ambassador for the Holy See Joseph Donnelly, the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa Commander, and the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Deputy Commanding General, Major Gen. Andrew Rohling, and the Italian Deputy Minister of Defense, Honorable Stefania Pucciarelli. (U.S. Army photo by Elena Baladelli)
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Brig. Gen. Aida T. Borras, the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa deputy commanding general, addresses participants during a Memorial Day ceremony at the North Africa American Cemetery and Memorial in Carthage, Tunisia, on May 31, 2021. The ceremony honored the more than 2,800 U.S. service members who were laid to rest in the cemetery and more than 3,700 whose names are engraved on the Wall of the Missing. (Courtesy photo by U.S. Embassy in Tunisia)
U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia Donald Blome addresses participants during a Memorial Day ceremony at the North Africa American Cemetery and Memorial in Carthage, Tunisia, on May 31, 2021. The ceremony honored the more than 2,800 U.S. service members who were laid to rest in the cemetery and more than 3,700 whose names are engraved on the Wall of the Missing. (Courtesy photo by U.S. Embassy in Tunisia)
Brig. Gen. Aida T. Borras, the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa deputy commanding general, salutes during a Memorial Day ceremony at the North Africa American Cemetery and Memorial in Carthage, Tunisia, on May 31, 2021. The ceremony honored the more than 2,800 U.S. service members who were laid to rest in the cemetery and more than 3,700 whose names are engraved on the Wall of the Missing. (Courtesy photo by U.S. Embassy in Tunisia)