On our way to the Bock Casemates we decided to stop and see the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial in Luxembourg City. A great way to fit a little American history into the day as well.
As soon as you start to get close you’ll see signs for the cemetery. There is a large parking lot, the parking is free.
The entrance can be found by locating the blue gates with the golden wreaths, these were an ancient reward for valor.
When you enter the gates there is a nice visitors center to the left. There you can see photos, read about some history, as well a sign the guest book. There is also some seating. In addition there are volunteers on staff that you can talk to for information or questions. We learned that there are 22 sets of brothers buried in this cemetery and only 1 female, a nurse.
Restrooms are also located near the entrance in a small building on the right.
After the Visitor’s Center you see this huge memorial standing among immaculate lawn.
The list of the names of the soldiers unknown graves is carved into 2 large slab so that these 371 soldiers & airmen will never be forgotten despite not knowing where they are resting.
The 5,076 white crosses flank the lawn in military precision and give a small glimpse of the American lives that were sacrificed for our country during WWII.
I have to say I had a hard time walking on the lawn to see the grave markers, that military rule of no walking on the lawn has been too ingrained into my brain 😉
At the front of the lawn lies the cross that marks the grave of General George S. Patton Jr., who was the commander of the Third U.S. Army. I looked up some of his quotes and found these that I liked:
“Better to fight for something than live for nothing.”
“The test of success is not what you do when you are on top. Success is how high you bounce when you hit the bottom.”
“Anyone in any walk of life who is content with mediocrity is untrue to himself and to American tradition.”
Fountains can be found along the walk ways between the plots. They are said to represent Resurrection and Everlasting life.
The small chapel offers a quite sanctuary where prayers can be offered and yields some impressive artwork in the mosaic on the ceiling.
This cemetery serves as an important historical site and challenges us to never forget and to honor those who came before us. This is a great place to visit if your planning to visit Luxembourg City, it’s also only 10 minutes from the Bock Casemates.
Know Before You Go:
Where: Luxembourg American Military Cemetery in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
How To Get There: It’s about 1 hour from Spangdahlem, 1 hour 26 mins from Ramstein.
What: Built as a temporary military burial site it now is a Know Before You Go:
Cost: Free
How long: Plan on at least 30 minutes.
Where to find info: Above links, Panther Paws
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