USAFE Airmen attend French partnership pilgrimage

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jennifer Lovett
  • USAFENS
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Colorful uniforms from 36 different militaries swarmed Lourdes, France, in May for the 48th Annual International Military Pilgrimage -- an event that started with individual excursions at the end of WWII and by 1958 became an official event sponsored by the French Ministry of Defense in May each year.

“The International Military Pilgrimage is unique to the world and by its size, it is one of the most evocative events at Lourdes,” said Pilgrimage Director Fr. Jean-Louis Théron. “Soldiers are the best placed to speak of peace.” 

The American delegation of more than 200, led by Lt. Gen. Rod Bishop, U.S. Air Forces in Europe vice commander, accepted the French Defense Minister’s invitation to participate in three days of international parades, ceremonies and concerts.

"We are honored to be invited to participate in this important pilgrimage symbolizing a continuing hope for peace," said General Bishop. "It's a great privilege to have been part of this historical event; one that has been uniting people from different nations and cultures for decades." 

The pilgrimage saw more than 15,000 military men and women from countries as diverse as Croatia, Burundi and the Czech Republic gather to promote harmony in the world. 

Chaplain (Capt.) Bob Monagle, RAF Alconbury chaplain, represented USAFE chaplains and took 22 active duty members including one Marine, one Soldier and one Sailor to France.

“The Lourdes Pilgrimage was a great experience to get together with thousands of military members from nations all over the world for one common purpose; to share faith and to pray for the world,” he said. “We serve in the military because we believe in making our world a better and safer place. This is a great opportunity to come together to pray rather than to fight each other.” 

Every day involved vibrant expressions of candlelight processions, war memorial wreath layings and services in the various caverns, such as the Procession of the Blessed Sacrament to an underground bunker that housed all 15,000.
“It was a packed three days,” said Maj. William Haag, Ramstein trip organizer from USAFE/A3. “Most countries brought their color guards and bands that all played their national folk music for the festival of music. The best part was the exchange of culture, stories and history between the different groups that represented solidarity of peace.” 

Airmen interested in the 2007 pilgrimage can contact their local Catholic chaplains for more details.