Visit World War II memorial cemetery near Luxembourg
Q: A member of my family who served in the Army in the European Theater during World War II is buried in a military cemetery near Luxembourg. We plan on going to the area in the spring. Can you tell me how I can find out about the location of the cemetery as well as the grave?
A: Luxembourg Cemetery lies just within the limits of that city, about three miles east of the center. Taxis to the cemetery are available at the Luxembourg railway station and its airport.
The cemetery, which covers a little more than 50 acres, lies in a wooded area. Not far from the entrance is a white stone chapel on a wide circular platform surrounded by the forest. Flanking the chapel at a lower level are two large stone pylons upon which you'll find maps with inscriptions recalling the achievements of the American Armed Forces in this region.
Sloping gently downhill from the memorial is the burial area containing 5,076 of our military dead, many of whom gave their lives in the Battle of the Bulge and in the advance to the Rhine River during World War II.
An American superintendent, usually someone retired from the military, is stationed at the cemetery to give information and help in locating graves. The cemetery is open to the public daily.
Photography is permitted without special authorization except when it's to be used for commercial purposes. If you want to take a picture of your relative's grave, the superintendent will help you out. Because the name carved into the white marble is difficult to see in a photo, the superintendent will take a small bucket of brown sand to the grave and rub it over the name and other information on the marble. The sand sticks in the crevices and makes the inscription easier to read. The next rain will wash the sand away.
You will want to be sure and visit the National Museum of Military History where the Battle of the Bulge memorabilia and photographs can be seen. Before going, check on the museum's hours since they vary throughout the year.
My husband and I visited the military cemeteries at Normandy, France, and Cambridge in England. The rows and rows of white marble crosses are a poignant remainder of how many American servicemen died for our country. You'll find your visit a very moving experience.
Information is available on web at www.visitluxembourg.com, www.nat-military-museum.lu and www.amba.lu.
Send your questions at least sixweeks prior to travel to MadelynMerwin in care ofTravel,Daily Herald, P.O.Box 280, Arlington Heights, IL 60006, or e-maildpmerwin@sbcglobal.net.