Since today is really the traditional Memorial Day as opposed to the day off this past Monday, I will post my tribute today. This is an email I received from the director of the organization where I work, and I also received a copy of it from a friend.
In alphabetical order, just Europe …..
1. The American Cemetery at Aisne-Marne, France. A total of 2289 of our military dead.
2. The American Cemetery at Ardennes, Belgium. A total of 5329 of our dead.
We are arrogant.
3. The American Cemetery at Brittany, France. A total of 4410 of our military dead.
Excuse us.
4. Brookwood, England American Cemetery. A total of 468 of our dead.
5. Cambridge, England. 3812 of our military dead.
6. Epinal , France American Cemetery. A total of 5525 of our Military dead.
7. Flanders Field, Belgium. A total of 368 of our military.
8. Florence, Italy. A total of 4402 of our military dead.
9. Henri-Chapelle, Belgium. A total of 7992 of our military dead.
10. Lorraine, France. A total of 10,489 of our military dead.
11. Luxembourg, Luxembourg. A total of 5076 of our military dead.
12. Meuse-Argonne. A total of 14246 of our military dead.
13. Netherlands, Netherlands. A total of 8301 of our military dead.
14. Normandy, France. A total of 9387 of our military dead.
15. Oise-Aisne, France. A total of 6012 of our military dead.
16. Rhone, France. A total of 861 of our military dead.
17. Sicily, Italy. A total of 7861 of our military dead.
18. Somme, France. A total of 1844 of our military dead.
19. St. Mihiel, France. A total of 4153 of our military dead.
20. Suresnes, France. a total of 1541 of our military dead.
IF I ADDED CORRECTLY THE COUNT IS 104,366
Remind those of our sacrifice and don’t confuse arrogance with leadership
The unit to which I was assigned during my time in England held Memorial Day services annually at Madingly American Cemetery near Cambridge. That’s #5 on this list. I only attended one during my last year active duty, and it was a humbling experience.
John 15:13 (King James Version)
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Never forget.
All photos from American Battle Monuments Commission.