When we learned that the WWI Memorial near my husband's birthplace was having a Memorial Day ceremony we decided to pack up and make the trip this weekend.
Measuring 130 acres, the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetary is the largest of several WWI era cemetaries scattered throughout the region. The Argonne Offensive called upon more US troops than ever before in history up to that time and was instrumental to winning the first world war.
The remains of over 14,000 soldiers rest here, marked by white marbles crosses and Stars of David. The original number was twice that, but in the 1920's the others were repatriated back to the States.
The grounds are owned and meticulously maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission. The land was given to the US, tax-free in perpetuity, by the French government in gratitude for the aid provided by the soldiers.
The memorial cemerony included US and French Army troops and dignitaries as well as smaller groups from the Boy Scouts, French Fire Brigade, local clergy, and many veterans.
We drove through some really nice little villages on the way there. Romagne, which is the nearest village to the cemetary, was in full patriotic array with red, white and blue flowers and French and US flags tucked into the flower boxes and planters in front of EVERY home. Sadly you will have to take my word for that because we took a different route home which was less lovely. It did however take us through Verdun, which meant a lot to my husband. He was born here while his father was stationed at Metz. It was a kick for him to see his birthplace.
Starry Sky Journal 
What a good and honorable way to spend your Memorial Day. My grandfather lost his life serving during WWII and is buried in Belgium. He left behind my grandmother and three very young children. When my father passed away last July, I was given some letters that my grandfather wrote to my him while he was away… Daddy was only five years old, and the letters are just precious to me. +JMJ+
What an incredibly meaningful day! I didn’t realize that your DH was born in Europe or that his father was also military. You guys are really living history over there, aren’t you?
What a most perfect way to spend Memorial Day! And all your photos are absolutely stunning.
That was beautiful. What a neat memory making day for the family. Had my teary eyed. 🙂
Love the Pictures , Actually Richard was stationed at Chambly air base, which isn’t to far from Metz no big deal , we lived in a little village of conflans. wonderful he got to see his birth place, I can remember every detail of the day