In Europe, it is hard to forget World War II. And not just because there are reminders of it in the form of monuments and cemeteries everywhere...it's also a big part of the countries' collective memory and it seems the perpetuation of that memory manifests itself in the form of grateful acts of remembrance and care taking even in the younger generations.
The day before America's Memorial Day, we drove (in a cold drizzle) to Margraten Cemetery in The Netherlands and then stood (in a cold drizzle) for their
annual memorial service attended by a number of dignitaries (American and foreign) including the Queen of Holland. There are 8,301 soldiers buried there and each grave is adopted by a local family who, I suppose, visit on occasion and leaves flowers. Very few of the graves were without flowers that day.
We were not the only ones there either. Literally thousands of people attended (in a cold drizzle- with wind). It was such a beautiful thing. A really lovely gesture at which I was honestly overwhelmed.
Later in our travels we were able to visit Bastogne where there is this massive monument and a museum:
And we visited the Luxembourg American Cemetery which is where George Patton is buried:
This monument marked the site of a temporary cemetery.
And this one marks the place where the 101st Airborne held the line during the Battle of the Bulge. Josh, as a World War II buff and Band of Brothers fan...found all of this particularly fascinating.
All were sobering, but touching reminders.
"Rest on embalmed and sainted dead!
Dear as the blood ye gave;
No impious footstep here shall tread
The herbage of your grave;
Nor shall your glory be forgot
While Fame her record keeps,
For honor points the hallowed spot
Where valor proudly sleeps."
Dear as the blood ye gave;
No impious footstep here shall tread
The herbage of your grave;
Nor shall your glory be forgot
While Fame her record keeps,
For honor points the hallowed spot
Where valor proudly sleeps."
-Theodore O'Hara from "Bivouac of the Dead"
This is surprising to me.Had you not gone I would have never known....and yes, it is so very touching. I may write some letters to several networks and ask them broadcast something about this occurane in the states. There is such a distaste for the USA by much of the media it will probably fall on deaf ears. Of course if it puts Europe in a good light maybe they would consider it.
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool- thanks for sharing the pictures and history!
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