Saint Avold American Cemetery

A visit to the Saint Avold American Cemetery adds greater compassion and understanding to the sacrifices made during World War II.  It seems that everyone is familiar with the battlefields and cemeteries of Normandy, where thousands of visitors walk the hallowed ground each year. However, it was surprising to us to learn that the largest American cemetery in Europe is the one in Saint Avold. Saint Avold Cemetery is beautifully set in gently rolling, wooded countryside just north of the town of Saint Avold. Upon arrival, you can leave your car in a parking area just outside of the dramatic gated entrance, which is adorned with a bronze eagle. A short walk leads to undulating lush green lawns that are enclosed by a distant forest. The well-manicured landscaping is elegant with flowering shrubs, walkways bordered by roses, and a lush lawn dotted with oak, beach, maple, and hawthorn trees. There is nothing to mar the beauty. Everything is serene and tasteful. Tears cannot help but come to your eyes as you view row upon row, of simple, pure white, marble crosses that seem to stretch forever. The graves of soldiers of Jewish faith are marked with the Star of David. Four Medal of Honor recipients are buried here: their headstones inscribed in gold leaf. In Saint Avold there are 10,489 graves, including soldiers and airmen from every state in America, as well as fallen soldiers from Puerto Rico, Panama, Canada, Mexico, and England. Stop to visit the Wall of the Missing, a handsome, impressive monument inscribed with the names of 444 unidentified soldiers. The names of those who were later identified are now marked by a star. While we were at the cemetery we spoke with a family from Virginia who told us the story of their Missing Soldier. For many years the family only knew that their son was missing and had obviously died on the battlefield. It was not until more than 60 years later that they received in the mail a bracelet engraved with his name. A note was attached from a farmer in Lorraine who found the bracelet while working in his field. After vast research, he was finally able to discover where the boy’s family lived and sent the token to them. A small group of his family, glad to finally have closure, had come to Saint Avold to commemorate their long-lost loved one. Before leaving the cemetery, be sure to visit its Memorial, a simple, dignified,  beautifully designed, rectangular stone building that stands on a rise overlooking the field of crosses. An inscription reads “In proud remembrance of the achievements of her sons and in humble tribute to their sacrifices, this memorial has been erected by the United States of America.” Within, the monument tastefully blends historical information along with a quiet, spiritual mood. At the end of the room, bathed in a stream of light that flood through tall floor to ceiling windows, there are five sculptured figures of white limestone that represent the eternal struggle for freedom. The middle carving is a young man. He is flanked by historic religious and militarily heroes, including King David, Emperor Constantine, King Arthur, and George Washington. Below the sculptures is an alter of green marble, a place where many come to quietly remember about their loved ones and say a silent prayer On the wall is a large glazed, colored ceramic map portraying, and describing, the military operations in Europe beginning with the Normandy landing until the war ended. A special smaller map details the fighting near Avold. A row of flags flutter high on each side wall, representing each part of the United States military service. (Saint Avold is open daily except Christmas and New Year’s, 9am to 5pm).