This is a graveyard and memorial for all the American soldiers, sailors, and airmen who were stationed in England (the Allies' headquarters) during World War II and died.
As we walked in, we saw dozens of rows of white marble crosses, each with the name, battalion, and native state of an American soldier, including the date they fell. After a fair amount of searching, we found one man from Mississippi. His tombstone said his name was Frank W. Furr and he died on October 8, 1944. I never thought I'd find a memorial to a fellow Mississippian across the Atlantic Ocean, but I guess I underestimated the English. Gazing down the columns of crosses (with a handful of stars of David interspersed), I realized just how much people around the world appreciate my country and what we have done in history to make the world safer and make their lives better.
There was a massive wall with thousands of names on it, and large 4 statues along this wall. Each statue was an American from one of the divisions of the military. There was a statue of a soldier from the American army (in 1940's garb), along with Americans from the Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. As I later learned, the wall was filled with the names of American soldiers whose bodies were never recovered, most of them being lost in the Atlantic.
There is an enormous American flag placed in the center of the pavilion, along with a pond similar to the one by the Washington Monument, and a grand memorial building that is currently being made into a church. Inside, there are colored windows with the seal of every state on them; and on the ceiling, there is an intricate mosaic of angels flying beside Allied WWII planes on their way to war, culminating in a mosaic of our Lord behind the altar, giving the soldiers his hand of protection and salvation.
Thinking back on history, the world really does owe a great deal to the United States. It's fantastic to see that some people in Europe recognize this fact and are thankful enough to make this grand cemetery and memorial for those who made the difference. When I hear Europeans say Americans are dumb and closed-minded, now I think, "I wish I could take them to this cemetery."
That is very interesting...I had no idea that foreign countries would have a cemetery to honor U.S. soldiers...I think most people have very short memories...the US owes a lot to our European ancestors but it is also true that the US has played a significant role in defending other countries, granting financial aid, creating jobs, etc
ReplyDeleteYour travels are certainly broadening your perspective and your blog is broadening the perspective of your readers!!
Wow. That's really neat. I have learned from American Girl that after the War of 1812, the U.S. and British have been allies. I hope this age of "intellect" aka postmodern arrogance that leads to "navel gazing" (Luther) does not ruin this friendship, or as the Brits would say, "comrade-ary". :)
ReplyDelete