Memorial Day

We drove home from Belgium on Monday, Memorial Day. As I was researching a little for our trip, I found that there are several American Military cemeteries around this area and on our way home. So Mark and I decided this would be a great way to spend the day as we drove back to Germany. Little did we know what an amazing, educational and overwhelming experience it would turn out to be.

We started in Waterloo where Napoleon of France was defeated by Wellington of England. We were able to conquer the Butte de Lion (226 steps) then watch a movie, see a panorama of the battle and a wax museum with war general replica's. Here are a few shots: (can you see Bailey almost reaching the top of the lion? and notice the lush farm land behind us in the group shot that was the main battlefield)

Next we traveled onto the Henri Chapelle American Military Cemetery.

I really didn't know what to expect. I hoped for myself and my children some education, insight, and a way to show our gratitude. We got that and so much more. I thought there would be ceremonies for the day but when we arrived the cemetery was completely empty and was ours alone to behold. Both Mark and I were overcome with emotion as the gravesites of 7,992 American soldiers were revealed to us. This is the largest grouping of our military dead overseas but only accounts for 39% of the losses we took during World War II. The area that is home to this cemetery is beautiful, acres upon acres of lush green farm land. The monument itself is grand to behold as the crosses are layed out in curved arcs.








We were lucky to have the superintendent of the cemetery spend time with us on the grounds, telling us stories of individual soldiers, of their service, bravery and a little of their personality as well. He gave the girls each a Belgian and American flag in order to remember this experience.

Poor Bailey with her sweet, compassionate spirit really struggled this day. The video at the Butte de Lion and the stories from the cemetery did not hold back the graphic violence and loss of life that war entails. In her young, carefree and happy mind she cannot fathom people causing pain and death to one another. She finally released with many tears her anger, frustration, sadness and confusion while walking among the crosses. She was not consolable and so I let her release everything, then tried to help her see how important it is that we do not forget this history. By teaching the next generation, just maybe we can prevent it from happening again. And even as I say these words I realize that our soldiers have now been in Afghanistan longer than WWII lasted. I am proud of my American heritage and words cannot express my gratitude for the sacrifice our military soldiers, from the beginnings of this great country to those that still fight today, for they are the reason, not politicians that "lead" our country, that my freedoms have not been taken away. God Bless America and our American Soldiers!