American military cemeteries in Europe

The April ’06 issue carried a very well done, highly informative report (pages 65-68) by a La Jolla reader who enjoyed a 5-day “Flanders Fields” tour by a British company. American visitors to this area should include a visit to Flanders Field Cemetery, one of the many cemeteries in Europe that are maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC).

I participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Flanders Field Cemetery last summer, and this summer I will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony on July 4th at the Sicily-­Rome American Cemetery near Rome. American visitors to these and other cemeteries maintained by the ABMC will take great pride in the grounds, chapels, museums and architectures memorializing American participation in WWI and WWII.

Colorful brochures with information on and explicit directions to 23 American military cemeteries and 25 monuments overseas can be obtained free from the American Battle Monuments Commission (2300 Clarendon Blvd., Ste. 500, Arlington, VA 22201; call 703/696-6788 or e-mail krohnc@abmc.gov). This information can also be found at the website www.abmc.gov (watch the 5-minute video).

WILL EBEL
Washington, D.C.