In the town of Waregem rest 368 American dead from WWI who fought in the final offensive to liberate Belgium. The Flanders Field American Cemetery is the only World War I American cemetery in Belgium. It lies on a battlefield where the 91st Division fought during the Ypres-Lys offensive from October 30 to November 11, 1918. The American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) maintains the cemetery.
The Flanders Field American Cemetery and Memorial in Belgium occupies a 6.2-acre site. Masses of graceful trees and shrubbery frame the burial area and screen it from passing traffic. At the ends of the paths leading to three of the corners of the cemetery are circular retreats, with benches and urns. At this peaceful site rest 368 of our military dead, most of whom gave their lives in liberating the soil of Belgium in World War I. Their headstones are aligned in four symmetrical areas around the white stone chapel that stands in the center of the cemetery.
The altar inside the chapel is made of black and white Grand Antique marble with draped flags on each side; above it is a crusader’s sword outlined in gold. The chapel furniture is made of carved oak, stained black with white veining to harmonize with the altar; 43 names are inscribed on the Walls of the Missing.
Visit http://www.abmc.gov and http://www.ABMCEducation.org for more information.
