We travelled to The American Cemetary in Meuse Argonne last Monday. It is remote and difficult to reach but well worth the effort. This is a beautifully kept memorial to the young men who fell to their death so far from home in WW1. Thank you to David who made this visit unforgettable for my family who were visiting the grave of my Grand Uncle.
I had the opportunity to visit the American Cemetery on a school trip and I am so glad I took the chance! You start your visit to the cemetery by going through a small museum that can give you a little background on the history of the American influence in Normandy. There are also some very touching exhibits that are worth a moment of silence before you walk out into the cemetery. I could have spent all day just strolling through the cemetery and exploring what there is to see. My friend brought several American flags that we placed next to some graves. If I had been able to stay for one more hour I would have taken a walk down to the beach. Wheelchairs may need to stay on pathways and find alternative routes, but it will be a worthy trip. There are few to no places to eat so do not plan on eating at the cemetery. My visit was on a rainy day which really set the tone of the cemetery but it is more of an outdoor activity so a rain-free day is probably the desired weather. If you are in Normandy PLEASE visit the cemetery, it is such a reminder of our history as two countries. I would not have missed it for anything.
A beautiful setting where you find rows upon rows of gravestones. The sheer number is just a reminder of the destruction. The grounds are sympathetically tended.
"This chapel is erected by the United States of America as a sacred rendezvous of a grateful people with its immortal dead"The Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, the largest American military cemetery in Europe, is indeed a sacred place. WWI American doughboys who fought in the Meuse-Argonne campaign area have their final resting place here, along with the many thousands of missing whose names are inscribed along the wall of the chapel. The cemetery is beautifully maintained thanks to the hard work of the American Battle Monuments Commission. Note that you can download guides to all ABMC locations from their website (ABMC.gov) which will help inform you on your visit.As you pass row upon row of the fallen, take a moment to read the names, rank, and division of the soldier. You will find buglers, pilots, and officers alongside simple privates. The number of fallen is staggering and sobering.The chapel is especially beautiful and an important area for contemplation. The cemetery required the inclusion of maps describing the actions of the different divisions during the campaign, engraved into the living stone. One should spend at least two hours at the cemetery, and be sure to visit the guest house to record your thoughts and look down upon the beautiful, and tragic, scene.[Note that this is not a WW2 cemetery that has confused other reviewers. There are many military cemeteries in France, and the ABMC website can make your trip better informed.]
Very humbling experience. Must see. Visitors centre has a fantastic and informative display. You should allow at least 3 hours for the visit. There is direct pedestrian access to Omaha beach also.
Wonderful tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for America. Beautiful and serene, was truly an experience that I will always remember
So many young lives lost, but a nation that has not forgotten it's fallen...a well manicured and maintained cemetery and a reminder to us all of the follies of war that we continuously remember to forget.Sad sad sad.
Quiet and vast cemetery with perfectly manicured gardens and white marble headstones of over 14000 people who died for their country during WW1.The cemetery is like a living monument to honour these people who never made it back home.Rest in peace all who were placed here.
Beautifully maintained as you might expect. A sea of crosses and stars of David, for young men (and some women) who had travelled around the world to fight, as had the many Commonwealth lads who fell in the British sector.
One of the most beautiful places we've seen and extremely humbling! A MUST see for all Americans visiting this area of France. Exquisitely manicured. A very fitting resting place for our men who gave their lives for freedom!