The Remembrance Project is an 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
Dr. Maryalice Mazzara
Executive Director
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Maryalice (Ali) Mazzara as the first Executive Director of The Remembrance Project (TRP)!
Ali is a highly regarded leader in designing, implementing, and directing programs and special projects on Global Affairs and Leadership for academia, NGOs, Government Organizations, and Corporations. She excels at creating connections and collaborative partnerships and developing strong and effective teams.
For over 20 years Ali worked in university settings. She was at the State University of New York (SUNY) where she was the Founding Director of the JFEW SUNY Global Affairs and Leadership Program. Most recently Ali was the Dean of Long Island University’s Global College and Director of its Roosevelt School. She has also worked on projects with Columbia University, Aspen Institute, Samsung, the UN, and many NGOs.
Ali received her doctorate from Columbia University’s Teachers College (TC) in International Education with a focus on Administration. In 2022, TC awarded her the Alumni Award for Outstanding Service, which is only given to one alumnus a year. Ali was the recipient of the prestigious Fulbright Senior Scholar Award in 2020 and the Fulbright Specialist Award in 2025 – both in “Global Affairs and Leadership”.
In addition to these academic and professional accomplishments, Ali brings to The Remembrance Project a very personal aspect to her role as the Executive Director – her Father, Mr. Buddy Mazzara, was a member of the Big Red One and was in the first wave at Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. Her commitment to the vision and mission of The Remembrance Project runs deeps and she is humbled to be able to honor all those who served and are serving in the military.
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. 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 is 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
For the first couple of years, the 101st Airborne played 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 the game, the 82nd airborne were asked if they would consider participating. 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
Beginning with the first game in 2018 game in Normandy, 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
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 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.
