Memorial Day Part One
While we were stationed overseas, I visited the WWII allied cemetery at Souda Bay, Crete. This was my first realization that unlike our soldiers today whose remains are sent home, in past wars soldiers were buried near the ground in which they died.
American Cemetery in Luxembourg
The next year found my family at the American Cemetery in Luxembourg. It contains the remains of 5, 076 American military members. The most famous of which is the General George S. Patton, Jr. gravesite.
American Cemetery in St. Avold, France
My most memorable visit was to the American Cemetery in St. Avold, France on Veteran’s Day 2000. As my family walked up the gravel drive to the entrance of the cemetery we were greeted by very elderly (80’s and 90’s) French citizens dressed in their Sunday best. Some had walkers, but those who could salute us and thanked us, as American’s, for their freedom.
That image will stay with me until the day I die.
The St. Avold memorial contains the largest number of graves (10,489) of our WWII dead in Europe. Due to its vast size, I concentrated my efforts on the graves of unknown soldiers and visiting the section of family members who are buried together. The most heartbreaking headstone was of five brothers from the same family.
There are hundreds of American military cemeteries all over the world and I invite you to seek them out. At the very least, when the national anthem is played, take that time to observe these men and women in a manner befitting their sacrifice.
In Memory Of:
TSgt Jeff Armour, a father of three, laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
Maj. Troy L. Gilbert, the father of five, laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
Courtney Edward Weissmueller, father of three, listed as Missing in Action while serving in the Vietnam War. An “In Memory” stone resides in Arlington National Cemetery and his name can also be found on the Vietnam Memorial, aka “the wall”.
Thank you and may you rest in peace.
Miss Sandy says
Laura,>I came over to reread your post and it so heart touching. Not many people would have the forethought to honor those buried on foreign soil by visiting them. What a comfort you would be to those families if they knew.>>My father-in-law served aboard the USS Halsey Powell in the Korean war. He was very proud of his military service in the Navy. All four of his sons followed in his footsteps. His second son was career military and retired a couple of years ago. His three children, two sons and a daughter, followed in his footsteps and they are all career military. One nephew just returned from Iraq and my niece is still there. She is married to a navy officer who is also in Iraq. >>Your act of remembrance is particularly meaningful to me knowing that it could easily be one of my family members falling on foreign soil.
Andrea says
Hi Laura,>I stopped over to visit to say thank you so much for visiting my blog. I also wanted to say what an absolutely beautiful thing your doing by visiting OUR fallen soldiers overseas.>>Warmly, Andrea
Southern Girl says
Hey, Laura… I just want to tell you how much I appreciate this post. I come from a long line of military in my family (and I served in the Air Force as well), and this post brought tears to my eyes. Thank you.
Counting Your Blessings says
My boy will be 18 soon and we’ve discussed the possibility that he may be called to duty sometime. As a Christian, I know that the graves themselves are empty – no soul – just the remains. But as a mom, I think it would touch my heart to know that you may stand by my son’s grave. God sees your kindness. Blessings… Polly
Rue says
That was a very touching and beautiful post Laura. Thank you for sharing these photographs with us. I can’t imagine not being able to visit a loved ones grave without going overseas. >>God Bless our brave troops and their families.>>rue
ceekay says
I was surprised to see Troy’s headstone on your post. Troy was a friend of ours. He is sorely missed by his family and all his friends at church. Thank you.
Bonnie says
My husband and I watched a program last night on KCTS titled Hallowed Grounds which showed 22 of the overseas military cemeteries. I had absolutely no idea so many of our men and women were buried overseas. I knew of one in France but that was it. It was absolutely amazing. One quick thing, though – I might be missing a detail but I thought the cemetery in the Phillipines, which has over 17,000 American soldiers in it, was the largest overseas military cemetery. One other piece of information I picked up from the special – one of the cemeteries has 879 (+/- a few) soldiers in it and the families in the town in which it is located has each adopted a soldier’s grave and tends to it – has faithfully since its beginning, passing down their soldier to their children, etc. It was an amazing special and something I wish more Americans would watch. When people spend more time on Memorial Day honoring those soldiers – current and former – who are still alive, they show they don’t quite understand the point of Memorial Day. I realized yesterday just how derelict I’ve been in my duties as a mother to teach my children exactly why we honor Memorial Day. I’ll be making changes to our family celebration for next year that’s for sure!!!
Susie Q says
I suspect the five brothers are the Sullivans. They are the reason that brothers are no longer deployed together or at the same time unless absolutely positively necessary. So sorry that such a tragedy had to be the impetus for it…but I am sure they would not trade anything…thank you for this post.