About 60 miles east of here, near the German border, there are 2 large U.S. cemeteries. We have visited one (Henri-Chapelle) several times, where 7,000 dead (mostly from the Battle of the Bulge) are buried. Last week we visited the other (Ardennes), where 5,000 are buried. Here, most are downed bomber crews, lost on their way to or back from Germany, late in the war. There are 9 sets of brothers, 3 Medal of Honor recipients, and nearly 1,300 MIAs or unknowns. Like all other U.S. cemeteries we've visited in Europe, this one is beautiful - so tranquil, well-maintained, and respectful. Mysteriously, there is a single female (civilian) buried here, and no one seems to know exactly where she "came from." Some say she was the daughter of an early caretaker, but the current managers here have been unable to find a shred of proof.
We always feel good about visiting these cemeteries; it just seems like something all Americans in Europe should do, at least once. It truly is a moving experience.
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