American Creativist, Living in Greece
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A Breathe of America: The Rhone American Cemetery and Memorial
Since I have been abroad I have been smothering myself with European culture, but this past weekend I was exulted by a much needed breathe of America. I took an hour or so drive to one of the many sites in France where our World War Two veterans, those that died for the cause of freedom, were laid to rest.
World War Two was a defining moment for America. My area of design research focuses on buildings that were constructed after the war, because well…they are indicative of the “American Dream,” and the sense of human achievement that our nation was founded upon. What came during and after America’s involvement in the effort to free the persecuted and defeat tyranny has defined the stars and stripes that we know today.
Innovative technologies, man-made materials, interstate systems, personal prosperity, and American pride are all products that thousands of our men and women gave their lives for. There was a joint effort between the United States and the participatory western European nations to free the region from Hitler’s grasp, and God willing, we won. These American built cemeteries and memorials that speckle the French countryside are reminders for not only travelers, but also French citizens, that America joined Europe to shed their blood for the sake of the human soul.
It was not lost on us.
Snakeman thanked me several times for the trip to visit the 861 American graves…I had explained to the group of us that this was not just a place to honor those that died for World freedom, but a reminder of the true heart of America. A reminder that we need living abroad and homesick, but also a reminder that those of you suffering through turbulence back home likely need as well. We still are the Shining City…
While the land used for the sites that host the remains of our bravest are offered free of charge by the French, the cost of maintenance and construction is left to the American tax payers via the American Battle Monuments Commission. Even thousands of miles from our borders, thanks to the efforts and appreciation our countrymen have for our soldiers, the Rhone Cemetery that we visited in South Eastern France, was pristine. There was no trash thrown, the grounds perfectly manicured, and someone comes to open the gates 363 days per year precisely at 8am, returning the close them at 5 in the evening.
I walked among the Christian crosses and Jewish stars that represented the men that honored their call to action in support of World freedom and snapped these photos. Some are of the grounds, some are of the names of the dead, and some are of the chapel that the United States so elaborately and brilliantly offers for those that visit to say a prayer of thanks.
God bless America, those that represent her in their own ways, those that love her from afar, and those that gave their lives for her.
Love Rach
Thank you Rachel, I’m so glad you went. Very moving post, and excellent photography as usual. God bless all who have taken up arms to preserve freedom, past and present.
Hi Rachel — a really, really nice piece. Even though I served during the Viet Nam era, I am so humbled by the sacrifice of so many brave young Americans.
Thank you for this vivid reminder.
thank you for reminding me it was here!
thank you Ted, I was so moved being there. As I said in the post, even at the distance..of space and time, we Americans keep it beautiful. It meant a lot to me as an American, and a supporter of out troops!