Rest Day Sunday 12 Oct: Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial

Today we headed about 50km south to the Aisne-Marne Cemetery and Memorial, located at Belleau Woods. The brochure states that this was: the site of a battle that lasted 20 days and became an enduring symbol for the Marine Corps. American forces proved themselves, stirring Allied hopes to win the war. It is certainly an impressive memorial.

The back garden at home before we left this morning

At Aisne-Marne Cemetery…

Looking down towards the chapel as you enter the grounds
The cemetery is 42 acres in area and was dedicated on 30 May 1937.
Two plots of graves are aligned on either side and in front of the chapel following the curve of the hill where the battle of Belleau Wood took place (behind the chapel)
It contains 2,289 headstones (2,256 Crosses & 33 Stars of David) with 1060 tablets of the missing
An unknown soldier
The chapel and carillon dedicated by the American Veterans Association. The dedication plaque reads “As these bells ring… honored dead rest… freedom lives”
Inside the chapel the walls are covered in the names of those whose bodies were never recovered (see inscription above the door)
A purple heart on display honours all those commemorated here
These carvings on the column capitals by the chapel door depict scenes of the trenches.
Looking back towards the entry from the chapel door

After a quiet drive to Chateau Thierry, lunch at L’ouvree.

With the jovial Julian
Salmon with champagne sauce (x3)
Pavé of beef with chimichurri sauce x 1
Beside the Marne River before we drove home
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Lyn & Gary

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