Even though the weather was nearing the low 30 degrees Fahrenheit, these men and women stood steadfast for the entire ceremony. Admittingly we felt a little guilty showing up in our thick wool coats and hats once we saw this sight.
The ceremony included the U.S., German, and Luxembourg high-ranking officers honoring those that have fallen by placing a wreath at the base of the Memorial Chapel.
There are over 5,000 American service members buried here, a majority who died during the Battle of the Bulge.
The officers paid their respects to the grave of General George S. Patton Jr. Patton's grandaughter is on the right.
A closer look at the Memorial Chapel.
The main entrance to the American Cemetary and Memorial.
Only 1.5 kilometers away is the Sandweiler German Cemetary that contains the graves of nearly 11,000 German servicemen that fought and died during the Battle of the Bulge. The cemetary is set in a beautiful field, filled with oak trees and is headlined by this 5 meter high stone cross memorial known as the Comrades Grave.
When the cemetery was under construction in 1952, it was decided to move approximately 5,000 graves of German soldiers that were placed at over 150 other Luxembourg cemetaries to Sandweiler. Sadly, most of these graves were mass graves for which only incomplete records were available. As a result the German War Graves Commission created and dedicated the Comrades Graves section.
The Comrades Grave is located behind the large cross as marked by the sarcophagus stone with the inscription that roughly translates to "Here rest in a common grave 4,829 German Soldiers of the World War 1939 - 45".
Looking out from the platform of the large cross.
Walking through the cemetery, the last name on this headstone caught my eye.
Even though this is a cemetery, the setting is beautiful.
Main sign with the inscription "German Soldier Cemetery Sandwieler".
This Veterans Day impacted us more than ever. Since we began this journey in Germany, we have seen first-hand the tireless commitment of those that serve their country. We commonly think of the soldier in the field of battle and the courage and will it takes to complete the assigned mission. Another untold story is the soldiers family and friends waiting for them to return. Since our arrival at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany we have had countless conversations with the spouses who take care of the rest of the family while their spouse completes a mission "down range", or basically near or on the front line. Months go by before they see their family again and both the service person and their spouse rely on others to get through the trying time. That is one thing that has really impressed us about the military families: their eagerness to help each other. Complete strangers will drop everything to help another family in need. It is an inspiration to witness. So on this Veternans Day, we remember those that have served their country, those that have paid the ulitmate price, and the families that have supported the men and women that have served their country. To all the Veterans and their families, thank you!
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