Remembrance

On our way to Trier, we took a quick side trip to Luxembourg.  Although they didn't actually stamp our passport, we can add another country to the list of places we've been.  Luxembourg is nestled in between Germany, France, and Belgium and was the site of the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

This was Hitler's last major counteroffensive and the American victory was critical in hastening the end of the war on the Western Front.  British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill stated "This is undoubtedly the greatest American battle of the war and will, I believe, be regarded as an ever-famous American victory."

We paid our respects at the Luxembourg American Cemetery where 5,075 service members are buried.  It was fitting that we visited on a rainy, dreary afternoon considering the hardships our soldiers endured fighting to protect our freedoms and save the world from tyranny.  General George S. Patton, Jr., is buried here, his grave marked by the same simple white cross as all of the others.

Also buried here:

• Twenty-two pairs of brothers, buried side by side

• Two Medal of Honor recipients, Private William McGee of Indiana and Staff Sergeant Day Turner of Pennsylvania.

• Second Lieutenant Nancy Leo, an Army Nurse from Maryland, the only woman buried in this cemetery.

• The remains of 100 unknown soldiers.

• Five soldiers of the "Band of Brothers" -- Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment

Rest in peace dear ones.  We are eternally grateful for your service and your sacrifice.