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To: SAMWolf

The World War II Ardennes American Cemetery and Memorial is located near the southeast edge of Neupre (Neuville-en-Condroz), Belgium, twelve miles southwest of Liege. The main highway to Marche passes the cemetery entrance. Liege can be reached by express train from Paris (Gare du Nord) in about five and a half hours; from Brussels and from Germany via Aachen. Taxicabs and limited bus service to Neupre are available from Liege. There are several hotels in the city.

The approach drive leads to the memorial, a rectangular structure bearing on its facade a massive American eagle and other symbolic sculptures. Within are the chapel, three large wall maps composed of inlaid marble, marble panels depicting combat and supply activities and other ornamental features. Along the outside of the memorial, inscribed on granite slabs, are the names of 462 American Missing who gave their lives in the service of their country, but whose remains were never recovered or identified. The cemetery, ninety acres in extent, contains the graves of 5,328 American military Dead, many of whom died in the so-called "Battle of the Bulge." Their headstones are aligned in straight rows which compose the form of a huge Greek cross on the lawn and are framed by tree masses. The cemetery served as the location of the Central Identification Point for the American Graves Registration Service of the War Department during much of the life of the Service.

The facade on the far (north) end, which overlooks the burial area bears the insignia in mosaic of the major United States units which operated in the Northwest Europe in World War II.

Memorial from the Graves Area

113 posted on 12/22/2002 3:48:14 PM PST by MistyCA
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To: All
Off topic but worth mentioning:

Flanders Field

Center> The World War I Flanders Field American Cemetery and Memorial lies on the southeast edge of the town of Waregem, Belgium, along the Lille-Gent AutoRoute E-17. It is located 175 miles north of Paris, France and 46 miles west of Brussels. The cemetery is within 30 miles of Brugge (Brugges) and Gent (Gand), the two largest cities in Flanders. Waregem may be reached by train from Brussels via Gent (Gand) in approximately one hour; from Paris, Gare du Nord, in about five hours via Rysel (Lille) and Kortrijk (Courtrai), and five and one-half hours via Brussels and Gent. Taxi service is available from the station in Waregem.

The cemetery occupies a six acre site. Masses of graceful trees and shrubbery frame the burial area and screen it from the passing traffic. At the ends of the paths leading to three of the corners of the cemetery are circular retreats with benches and urns. At this peaceful location rest 368 American military Dead most of whom gave their lives in liberating Belgium in World War I. Their headstones are aligned in four symmetrical areas around the white stone chapel which stands in the center of the cemetery,

The altar inside the chapel is of black and white Grand Antique marble having draped flags on each side; above it is a crusader's sword outlined in gold. The chapel furniture is of carved oak, stained black and white veining to harmonize with the altar. On the side walls are inscribed the names of 43 of the Missing in Action who gave their lives in the service of their Country, but whose remains were never recovered or identified.

114 posted on 12/22/2002 3:55:41 PM PST by MistyCA
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To: All
Henri-Chapelle American Cemetary and Memorial

The World War II Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery and Memorial is located two miles northeast of the village of Henri-Chapelle, Belgium, which is on the main highway from Liege (18 miles) to Aachen, Germany (10 miles). Henri-Chapelle is four and a half miles northwest of the Welkenraedt Exit (seven miles from the German border) on the Aachen-Antwerp Autoroute. Welkendaedt, the nearest railroad station with taxi service to the cemetery. It may be reached by train from Paris (Gare du Nord), Brussels and Aachen.

At this cemetery, covering fifty seven acres, rests 7,989 American military Dead, most of whom gave their lives during the advance of the American Armed Forces into Germany during World War II. Their headstones are arranged in gentle arcs sweeping across a broad green lawn which slopes gently downhill.

A highway passes through the reservation. West of the highway an overlook affords an excellent view of the rolling countryside, once a battlefield. To the east is a long colonnade, which with a chapel and museum at either end, overlooks the burial area. The chapel is simple but richly ornamented. Two maps of military operations, carved in black granite, with inscriptions recalling the achievements of the American Armed Forces are in the museum. The cemetery possesses great military historic significance as it accommodated the fallen Americans of two major efforts - one covering the U.S. First Army's drive in September 1944 through northern France, Belgium, Holland, and Luxembourg into Germany - and second covering the Battle of the Bulge

Central Mall

Front View of Memorial

On the rectangular piers of the colonnade are inscribed the names of 450 Americans who gave their lives in the service of their country but whose remains were never recovered or identified. The seals of the states and territories are also carved on these piers.

It was from the temporary cemetery at Henri-Chapelle that the first shipment of remains of American War Dead were returned to the U.S. for permanent burial. The repatriation program began on July 27, 1947 at a special ceremony at Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery when the disinterment began. The first shipment of 5,600 American Dead from Henri-Chapelle left Antwerp, Belgium the first week of October 1947. An impressive ceremony was held with over 30,000 reverent Belgium citizens attending and representatives of the Belgium government and senior Americans presiding.

115 posted on 12/22/2002 4:05:51 PM PST by MistyCA
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