Luxembourg American Cemetery

We spent our Memorial Day at the Luxembourg American Cemetery, honoring those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.  It is very humbling walking the rows and rows of crosses, remembering that each of the over 5,000 markers is a son, husband, brother, and friend, many who lost their lives in the Battle of the Bulge and in the advance to the Rhine River.  General Patton is also buried at this cemetery.  Though Jack and Charlotte are still too young to truly realize the significance of it all, Isabella was touched that each of the Crosses and Stars of David have a name and State on them.

This quote over looks all of the grave markers:
"All who shall hereafter live in freedom will be here reminded that to these men and their comrades we owe a debt to be paid with grateful remembrance of their sacrifice and with the high resolve that the cause for which they died shall live eternally." - Dwight D. Eisenhower

Inscribed on the side of the chapel is "IN PROUD
 REMEMBRANCE OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF
HER SONS AND IN HUMBLE TRIBUTE TO THEIR
SACRIFICES THIS MEMORIAL HAS BEEN ERECTED BY
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Tablets of the Missing.  Two memorial pylons display the names
of 371 Missing in Action.  The remains of these soldiers and airmen
were never recovered, or rest in unknown graces.

Flowers left in honor of Memorial Day.

Flowers presented by the City of Luxembourg.
It is touching the amount of respect given by the local
people and government.  Each of the grave markers have
both an American flag and the flag of Luxembourg.  Local
residents laid a single rose at each grave in honor of
Memorial Day.

One of two maps portraying the Ardennes and Rhineland campaigns,
including the "Battle of the Bulge," fighting to clear the west bank
of the Rhine, and crossing the Rhine at Oppenheim.

The Chapel

The amazing mosaic ceiling inside the chapel.

General George Patton's grave.

Book Character Parade!

Isabella's school had a book character parade again this year.  Unfortunately, it was raining, so they paraded through the hallways.  Isabella dressed up as Laura from Little House on the Prairie.