European March of Remembrance and Friendship

The first march was organized for 300 soldiers in May 1967 by the commander of the 3rd Battalion of the Chasseurs Ardennais, based in Vielsalm (Ardennes).  

First called the March of Remembrance, it changed its name in 1968 when civilians too were invited to participate. The march was originally conceived as a military exercise and it also served to perpetuate the memory of the hard fighting led by the predecessors Chasseurs Ardennais who had resisted the German invasion of May 10, 1940.

The march consists of four stages of 30 to 35 kilometres. The march ends in Marche-en-Famenne, host town of the current Chasseur Ardennais Regiment.

See the South Pacific Berets page for original medals of the march.