A monumental occasion: Reenactors, survivors convene for 121st Cavalry tribute

French reenactors of American WWII units convoy along the route followed by the 121st Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron in October 1944 to participate in the dedication of a monument to the 121st. Courtesy of Alexander F. Contini

MOUACOURT, FRANCE — In October of 2025, French reenactors of American World War II units drove their vehicles to the Village of Mouacourt to participate in the dedication of a monument to the 121st Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron of the 106th Cavalry Group. More than 75 reenactors participated with their 35 vintage vehicles. After the ceremony, the reenactors and guests formed a convoy, traveling the route used by the 121st following the liberation of Mouacourt.

The monument, which is located by the Mouacourt Cemetery, honors the Troopers of the 121st Cavalry. Sixteen names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the battle of the Parroy Forest are inscribed on the monument. Philippe Sugg, a local historian, made the arrangements for the monument and the dedication. Sugg has worked to create 17 monuments throughout the Lorraine area.

The monument to the Troopers and fallen of the 121st Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron in Mouacourt, France. Courtesy of Alexander F. Contini

The Contini family of New York commissioned the monument in cooperation with the village of Mouacourt. Their father, Staff Sergeant Victor M. Contini, was a senior medic with the 121st Cavalry. The half-track ambulance engraved on the monument is a tribute to the medics of the 121st. Victor survived the war after participating in campaigns from Normandy to Central Europe.

Ten members of Victor’s family participated in the dedication ceremony. Alexander Contini (U.S. Army retired) spoke for the family at the ceremony. He joined his siblings Michael, Richard and Katherina in presenting a wreath. Grandchildren First Sergeant Daniel V. Contini and his sibling Katie Contini and nephew Donovan presented a second bouquet. They were escorted by a reenactor carrying the guidon of the 121st Medical Detachment. Alexander’s son, Sergeant First Class Robert J. Contini, sounded “Taps” and the “French Sonnerie aux Morts”.

French soldiers from the 53rd Regiment Transmissions formed a military color and honor guard. The village mayor and dignitaries from several jurisdictions also spoke about the victory achieved by the American soldiers.

Sergeant First Class (retired) Alexander Contini salutes during the sounding of "Taps" at the dedication. Contini and his family commissioned the monument to honor their father ,Staff Sergeant Victor M. Contini, who was a senior medic in the 121st. Victor survived the war. Courtesy of Alexander F. Contini

Reenactors of the American 121st Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron and an honor guard of French soldiers from the 53rd Regiment Transmission of the French Army salute during the American national anthem. Courtesy of Alexander F. Contini

World War II vehicles owned by French reenactors line up at the site of the dedication. Courtesy of Alexander F. Contini

The procession Courtesy of Alexander F. Contini

A marker erected by the Village of Mouacourt, France to note the route of the 121st Cavalry Reconnaissance in October 1944. Courtesy of Alexander F. Contini

More than 75 reenactors drove their vehicles to Mouacourt, France to participate in the dedication of the monument to the 121st. Courtesy of Alexander F. Contini

Courtesy of Alexander F. Contini