The Remembrance Project is a Patton Legacy Sports original concept introducing sport as a platform for educational institutions to honor our veterans and learn the history of their service. Sport is recognized throughout history as a place of mutual respect that improves communication and understanding. The Remembrance Project brings unity from the field of play into the classrooms, allowing students to learn about the price of freedom and how Americans have historically contributed to ensure it.
The
Remembrance Project
THE REMEMBRANCE PROJECT
THE MISSION
THE REMEMBRANCE PROJECT™
FOUNDERS
Michelle Strauss
Helen Ayer Patton
Remembrance bowl
HISTORY OF THE GAME THAT NEVER HAPPENED
In the late Fall of 1944, during WWII, the US Army’s 101st Airborne Division, having seen hard fighting in the Netherlands and Germany, was given a respite in Reims, the Champagne region in France. Moving battle-weary troops behind lines to rest was typical during this long war, giving them time to rehabilitate.
With Paris secure and the possibility of the end of the war in sight, the soldiers stationed at the Mourmelon le Grande camp collectively organized an American football game to boost their morale. The teams were decided upon, and tryouts for the game commenced. The teams were:
SCREAMING EAGLES: Representing the 101st Airborne Division paratroopers
SKY TRAIN: Representing the US Army Air Force support units that flew the C-47s used in Operation Overlord, Market Garden, Varsity and Dragoon.
The Champagne Bowl was scheduled for Christmas Day!
However, the Germans had different plans. A surprise attack in the densely forested Ardennes region between Luxembourg and Belgium required the Allied Forces, which included the battle wearied soldiers in Reims, to answer the call to duty immediately. These brave soldiers dropped everything and joined in what would become known as one of the most brutal battles of WWII. Now recognized in history as The Battle of the Bulge … and the game that was left behind as … The Game That Never Happened.
Honoring the soldiers who abruptly left Reims to bravely join in the fight, we now play the Remembrance Bowl. Patton Legacy Sports produces this American flag football game in Normandy each year during the D-Day Commemorations between the soldiers of the 101st Airborne and 82nd Airborne Divisions as a salute to the bravery of their fellow Airborne soldiers and as a memorial to those who perished in The Battle of the Bulge, never to return home. The few programs left today are found in museums both in Europe and the US. Missing, are the contents inside that never had the opportunity to be added.
The cover of the Champagne Bowl program
THE REMEMBRANCE BOWL
HONORING THE GAME TODAY
IN NORMANDY
In 2017, Helen Ayer Patton, Granddaughter of WWII General George S. Patton, Jr., became aware of the history of the 1944 Champagne Bowl in Reims. She began communicating with COL Joseph Escandon of the 101st Airborne to plan the game at the 2018 D-Day Commemorations in Normandy, France. Working together with Patton Legacy Sports and the 101st Airborne Museum in Bastogne, The Game That Never Happened was finally played in Normandy on the 2nd of June in 2018. Thus began a new chapter for the former Champagne Bowl, now played as the Remembrance Bowl.
“Who knows how many of those guys made it home, let alone by Christmas, and as you know what that Christmas was like. So, I thought it would be a good idea to play the game that never happened at an event where people come from all over the world to honor and remember. It’s a way to turn the page of history. We can do this in their stead.” ~Helen Ayer Patton
For the first couple of years, the 101st Airborne played the game in Normandy between A-Team and B-Team squads from within their own Division. Due to COVID restrictions, the game was not played in 2020, and in 2021, fewer soldiers from the 101st were designated from command to play. Given all the ceremonies to compete with on the military schedule for D-Day Commemorations, it became difficult to organize. Looking for a way to revitalize Helen’s vision of the game, Michelle Strauss contacted the 82nd Airborne Division and asked if they would consider joining the competition. It was a resounding YES, and then it was GAME ON…!
With the overwhelming support of LTG Christopher Donahue, 38th Commander of XVIII Airborne Corps, the 78th Anniversary of the Landings in Normandy saw a new and exciting Remembrance Bowl with the two airborne divisions competing against each other. LTG Donahue joined his Airborne commanders to also play in the game. This tradition continues today, elevating The Game That Never Happened to become one of the most sought-after events to attend during the D-Day Commemorations in Normandy each year.
While the competition is fierce on the field, the soldiers understand the significance of playing the game. Together they sign each other’s jerseys prior to the game, wearing their commitment to camaraderie and to never forget the soldiers who had to drop everything to fight in one of the deadliest battles of WWII.
THE REMEMBRANCE BOWL - THE REMEMBRANCE PROJECT
JERSEY SIGNING CEREMONY
From the first 2018 game in Normandy, Patton Legacy Sports began the tradition of asking the players to sign the jerseys prior to playing in the game. This tradition continues today, carrying over to the high school football teams in the US. Every signature honors the soldiers who had to abandon the game. It is the player’s commitment to good sportsmanship, pursuit of camaraderie, and respect for their fellow players.
THE REMEMBRANCE PROJECT
A GAME BECOMING A PROJECT
Ever since 2018, Michelle and Helen discussed how a civics-based curriculum could easily become a complement to the Remembrance Bowl if the game were brought home to academic institutions in the US. During the summer of 2022, The Remembrance Project concept was introduced and greeted with great enthusiasm in the US with the focal point being the Remembrance Bowl game that brings everyone together after a week of civic curriculum to support it. Since then, High School and Club level coaches from across the country have reached out to Patton Legacy Sports to inquire about how they can host their own Remembrance Bowl during their sport season. With such an incredible show of enthusiastic response on the sport side it was becoming apparent that sport, as history has shown, is a great communicator and opens the door to learning.
The Remembrance Project is open to all sports. The Remembrance Cup is created for those sports outside of football that wish to honor our active duty soldiers and military veterans.
Contact us for more information at info@remembranceproject.org
THE REMEMBRANCE PROJECT
Access & Distribution
If you are an academic institution, a sports league, or a coach interested in hosting The Remembrance Project, a Remembrance Bowl, or a Remembrance Cup, contact info@remembranceproject.org.
