Until Ted and I saw the option to visit the American Cemetery near Luxembourg City, we didn’t know it was there. Well, we learned that no matter what others might say, Luxembourgers are grateful to the United States and have only good things to say about our country and its people. Our tour guide repeatedly told us the United States saved Luxembourg during World War II. She might be a stronger American patriot than many U.S. citizens.
Here are the cemetery gates.
More than 5,000 U.S. soldiers are buried here. Many of them gave their lives during the Battle of the Bulge in the winter of 1945. American soldiers also retrieved the bodies of German soldiers and buried them.
Personally, I’ve never been certain why it was called the Battle of the Bulge, but when the guide showed us this map, the red “bulge” showing the German advance into Luxembourg is very clear. This was the bloodiest battle ever fought in Europe.
This is a cross marking the grave of an unknown soldier.
When possible, the crosses provide more detailed information about the buried soldiers. The lettering on the marker is gold if the soldier was awarded the Medal of Honor.
The graves of Jewish soldiers are marked with a Star of David. Every grave marker is made of top quality Italian marble.
The grave of Gen. George S. Patton is in a prominent location near the monuments to the U.S. soldiers. The burial plot is large, landscaped, and fenced. Patton declared he would rather be fighting with his boys than safe with the generals. He is revered in Luxembourg, and our guide said she will dispute anyone who dares to say a bad word about Patton.
