Yep, I'm an Army brat, so of course I have grown to love this holiday. This year I decided I'd actually do something and go to Luxembourg to visit the American WWII cemetery there. Why I had not gone in previous years I know not. It is only 90 miles away and makes for a really simple day trip.
This is the view out into the cemetery. We couldn't decide which way the tombstones face, though I think they face West representing them facing home.
They have a nice small chapel there that you can go inside and even pray if you so wish. 
They have really done a good job at helping to remember the memory of all those who are buried there. 
The alter in the chapel is inlaid with golden letters and surrounded by two American flags. It really is a nice chapel.
The ceiling is painted with some grand art.
Luxembourg's American cemetery is the known burial site of General George S. Patton, Jr.
He got a lot of love this very special day.
Seeing his grave site made me want to research him and know everything about him. I will have to do that.
There are two flags that over look the graves with Gen Patton's grave in between them.
There were so many graves; I was astonished. Over 5,000 including one of a female Army nurse and 22 sets of brothers buried side by side.
Each grave was given two flags for the day, one American and one from Luxembourg.
Each of these crosses bears the name of the person buried there.
There were numerous Jewish-Americans buried there and for them they were given a star of David.
This is one of the many. The white stone on top of it shows that a family member visited the site recently. It has to do with old tradition of placing stones on the grave sites.
There are four fountains in the cemetery. Yes, each of them is the same with dolphins and a turtle.
Thanks to the handy-dandy brochure we know that the dolphins represent resurrection.
The turtle represents eternal life; since they live for YEARS!!!
Now, I don't know the CORRECT name for these and I'm sure my father will scold me for that later.
But they were so much fun to take pictures of.
This seal is actually on the side of the chapel on the grounds but I didn't post it up there... OOPS.
But these were taken on our way out, it is the gate to the cemetery. Notice how the stars directly under the two eagles form a star of David? YES, they DOOOOOO! Look at them!
And one final shot of the cemetery. Words cannot describe the feelings of today. It was a fun trip, but more importantly it was a trip to remember why it is that I only have to work 4 days this week (actually 3.5, going to London on Friday!!!).It was a trip to realize the lives lost for freedom, as cliche as that sounds it's true. Luxembourg holds over 5,000 deceased soldiers, it is not even CLOSE to being one of the bigger ones around the world.
What a day, what a trip!
Where in the World is Sara D. Ray? Well, now you know.
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