We spent Memorial day in St Avold, France at the
Lorraine American Cemetery. It was somber, and dreary. There were lots of dignitaries from both the American and the French militaries. The ceremony was held on the grassy area and the stairs. My children did not want to pay attention (of course), and we were way on the left by the flag. They were able to run around a bit with out disturbing anyone.
It is hard to describe the feeling that I had. Looking at all those crosses (stars of David too) gave me such a feeling of sorrow. I think that we all must remember and be thankful for all those soldiers that have paved the way for our freedom. I am the wife of a soldier, and to think about what it would have been like to be in this situation during WWII is almost unimaginable. It is difficult in today's climate to bear deployments, but to have your loved one gone for such a long time must have been more difficult. At least we now have phone and internet service.
In total there are 24 American cemeteries abroad. You can find out
a little more information at the
American Battle Monuments Commission. Of course you can always go
here. If you ever get a chance to visit one of these sites I encourage you to go. Some memorials are in The Netherlands, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Italy and Tunisia. On our must-do list is Normandy for a D-Day ceremony. More on that later.
Tschuss!
