Luxembourg American Cemetery And Memorial, Luxembourg

The airport is three miles northeast of the cemetery. Taxicabs are available at the Luxembourg Station and at the airport. There are several excellent hotels in the city. The cemetery, 50.5 acres in extent, is situated in a beautiful wooded area. Not far from the entrance stands the white stone chapel sitting on a wide circular platform nearly surrounded by woods. It is embellished with sculpture in bronze and stone, a stained glass window with American unit insignia, and a mosaic ceiling. In front of the chapel at a lower level are two large stone pylons with operations maps made of inlaid granites and accompanying inscriptions describing the achievements of American armed forces in the region during World War II. Additionally these pylons are inscribed with the names of 371 Americans who gave their lives in the service of their country and lie in unknown graves. The cemetery was established on December 29, 1944 by the 609th Quartermaster Company of the U.S. Third Army while Allied Forces were stemming the enemy's desperate Ardennes Offensive, one of World War II's critical battles. The city of Luxembourg served as headquarters for General George S. Patton's U.S. Third Army. General Patton is buried at the Luxembourg American Cemetery. Sloping downhill from the memorial is the burial area containing 5,076 American dead, many of whom gave their lives in the "Battle of the Bulge" and in the advance to the Rhine River. Their headstones follow along graceful curves. The nearby trees, fountains and flower beds contribute to the dignity of the cemetery. The cemetery is open daily to the public from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm except December 25 and January 1. It is open on host country holidays. When the cemetery is open to the public, a staff member is on duty in the Visitorsї Building to answer questions and escort relatives to grave and memorial sites.