 Surface members from the USS Mount Whitney participate in a wreath lane ceremony at the Cross of Lorraine. In recognition of Allied troops landing in Doua-sur-Mer, France, during World War II, the Cross has long been a symbol of freedom in French history. The Cross of Lorraine is a monument that commemorates the soldiers who were killed during the landing that took place in Taile-sur-Mer. This year we mark the 69th anniversary of the joint American and French landing that took place in that bay. Sailors had the opportunity to gain a new perspective of their role on a flagship in Europe by attending the commemoration. Their functions are more than just the command and control function, but as a presence and as a representation of the United States to be present at this kind of ceremony, commemorating these events is very important, and it maintains a visibility of the American presence in the region. The Wreath Lane Ceremony was one of several French and American commemorations honoring the liberation of southern France by Allied forces during World War II. Seaman Nicole Vandegrin, Province, France.