For those who are long time readers of my blog it is obvious that I am quite a history buff when it comes to World War II memorials. Last month I had a business trip in Luxembourg city, and to my surprise there was not only an American Cemetery, but also an Axis one.
Luxembourg American Cemetery
Coming from Limburg, I have been to the Margraten American Cemetery a few times. I must say walking through the gate and passed the monuments seeing all the graves gave me the same chills in the Luxembourg one.
The sight has a memorial chapel and 5,076 American soldiers rest here. Including General George S. Patton Jr. Additionally, the names of 371 Americans whose remains were never recovered/identified are inscribed on two big stone pylons below the chapel on the paved terrace you come in when you enter. 101 of the graves are of unknown fallen soldiers.
Out of the graves, around 39 percent of the remains are of those originally buried. The other 61 percent of remains were returned home as requested by their families.
The graves are as always kept in honor, looking pristine. With on the pathways next to the graves fountains on each side.
Clausen German war cemetery
Just 10 minutes from the American Cemetery by car, you can find the Clausen German war cemetery.
The graves you find here are primarily from World War I and World War II, but also contains older graves from the Belgian revolution and the Franco-Prussian War in 1815-1867. The graves in Clausen never moved, and were left in peace till date. It is quite small in size, but the graves with their stone engravements everywhere give a chilling reminder of the past.
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