After visiting Bastogne (see previous post), we decided on a whim to head home through Luxembourg and visit the military cemeteries. The American and German cemeteries are less than a mile from each other, but present two very different ways of honoring the fallen.
The German Cemetery
Tucked away in the forest, the German cemetery features gray, rough-hewn crosses that honor four soldiers each (two in front, two in the back). If known, the soldier's birth and death dates are given (the Americans list only death). The grass is less well kept, there are never any flags, and the effect is somber.
The American Cemetery
The American Cemetery features white, clean-hewn crosses that honor one soldier each. A soldier's death date, company, and state of residence is given. Medal of Honor winners are so noted. Patton's grave is here, and up front. The grass is exceptionally kept, there are flags everywhere (on Memorial Day weekend; otherwise, there are just the two large flags up-front), and there are several monuments honoring the fallen and maps outlining the conflict (showing both Asian and European fronts). The effect is sobering, but one of power and victory and sacrifice. You come away both thankful for the fallen's sacrifice and proud of American might.
Visit these graves if you can. Ponder the sacrifice of those who have gone before and given everything.
When you go home
Tell them of us
and say
"For your tomorrow,
we gave our today."
- John Maxwell Edmonds
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