A visit to the American Memorial Cemeteries in Europe
During our time in Europe, we made it a point to visit as many American Memorial cemeteries as we could. To salute and honor those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
It was such an amazing experience and one we will never forget. On the blog I will share a visit to the American Memorial Cemeteries in Europe.
We visit Normandy, Aisne-Marne, Luxembourg and the Belgium American Memorial cemeteries, including a few battle monuments and museums.
American Memorial Cemeteries in Europe
Normandy American Memorial Cemetery
One of the very first American memorial cemeteries we visited was the Normandy American Memorial Cemetery.
Located in Coleville-Sur Mer, the Memorial honors American troops who died in Europe during World War II. It is one of the first American cemeteries on European soil, and the most visited.
We also visited a few of the World War 2 sites, museums and monuments and it was such an amazing experience!
You can read more about our visit to Normandy on our Normandy bucket list road trip here.
American Memorial cemeteries in Belgium
There are three American war cemeteries in Belgium, and we were fortunate enough to visit all three.
The first memorial we visit is Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery and Memorial. This 57 acre memorial is where over 7000 of our American servicemen are laid to rest. Most of whom lost their lives during the advance of the U.S. armed forces into Germany.
We also visit the Ardennes American Cemetery and Memorial in the Wallonia region of Belgium, and the Flanders Field American Cemetery and Memorial located in Waregem Belgium.
368 of our American servicemen are laid to rest in the Flanders Field cemetery. Most of them gave their lives in liberating Belgium during World War This was one of two World War 1 sites we’ve visited in Europe.
Mardasson Memorial
We also visited the Mardasson Memorial in Belgium. The Mardasson Memorial is a monument honoring the American soldiers wounded or killed during World War II’s Battle of the Bulge.
The memorial is designed in the shape of a five-pointed American star, and is located near Bastogne in the Luxembourg province of Belgium.
Bastogne War Museum
The Bastogne War Museum is the main museum to visit to learn more about the Battle of the Bulge.
There is an entrance fee of 14€ for adults, kids under 6€ are free, and 6-18 is 8€. There is also a family ticket for 2 adults and 2 kids for 38 euros.
The Bastogne War Museum is worth the visit, with its extensive collection of World War 2 memorabilia, and exhibits.
Bastogne War Museum and the Mardasson Memorial is located at Colline du Mardasson 5, 6600 Bastogne, Belgium
Aisne-Marne American Cemetery
On a trip to Paris during the Memorial Day weekend, we decided to visit the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial to pay our respects.
About an hour away from Paris, Aisne-Marne is a 42-acre World War I cemetery located in Belleau, Northern France.
It’s location in a small town, surrounded by the Belleau forests is just absolutely beautiful. We visited during Memorial Day which made it even more special!
Nearby is Belleau woods, the first large-scale battle fought by American soldiers in World War I happened here, with many fatalities.
Today you will find a monument and a flag in the center of the road leading through the woods commemorating the valor of the U.S. Marines who captured this area in 1918.
The German Cemetery and Memorial is just a short drive away from Aisne-Marne, as part of the Battle of Belleau. It was quite interesting how different this cemetery looked in comparison to the American Memorials.
Luxembourg American Memorial cemetery
Located on the outskirts of Luxembourg City, The cemetery, which is 50.5 acres in extent, including the surrounding forest, is the final resting place of 5,075 American service members.
On 22 occasions two brothers rest side-by-side in adjacent graves. Most of the soldiers here have died during the Battle of the Bulge which was fought nearby in winter 1944/1945.
Standing tall at the center of the cemetery, lies the grave of General George S. Patton, who perished from a car crash, but per his request, wanted to “be buried with his men”.
You can also learn about our visit to the Arlington National cemetery in Washington DC here.
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