The US 5th Armored Davison liberated the site on September
10, 1944. A temporary military burial ground was established on December 29,
1944. Free use as a permanent burial ground was granted by the Grand Ducal government
in perpetuity without charge or taxation.
Germany launched its last major counteroffensive on December
16, 1944. The attack through the Ardennes had Antwerp as its objective. The assault
pierced American lines on a 45 mile front. American soldiers’ heroic efforts contained
the soldiers of the army.
The graves of 5.076 American military dead, including one
female army nurse, who lost their lives in the service of their country. The
grave of General George S. Patton, Jr., commander of the 3rd US
Army, lies between the two flagpoles in front of the Memorial and overlooking
the graves area.
With all this being said, we did not take the tour. It was
cold and it was raining. However, we did get off long enough to take a few
pictures.
These first couple are of the gate and the information
center as you come into the cemetery. Each of the tall wrought iron sections of
the entrance gate bears gilded laurel wreaths. The ancient award for valor.
Gilded eagles surmount the stone pillars.
The next are of the monument that stand over the graves.
We now get back on the bus and go to Luxembourg City where
we have a walking tour and lunch.
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