Am I the only one that noticed the resemblance? I think not. I'm digging the new do, Bessie. Just like Phineas, Ferb, and Bessie, we are preparing for summer. School will be out very quickly, and we are more than ready. It won't be long before we, too, are saying "Hey, Ferb. I know what we are going to do today..."
The 2010 Prom was held in La Caverne Geulhem. Wow. The entrance is up a steep sidewalk, off of a narrow street in an unassuming little town. The door is in the side of a rocky mountain, with lots of green vines hanging down the stone walls. Very cool. In fact, I told Russ that this is where we should have our KB Christmas Party next year. I don't think he took me very seriously. Apparently it's a little over our party budget. Go figure.
Last weekend, we visited the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial in Margraten. We stood (and sat) in the pouring rain during the Memorial Day Ceremony that honored the American soldiers and airmen who had died in this area. Mother Nature and the impressive amount of visitors didn't give us much of a chance to really look around and take it all in, so we decided to go back this Saturday. 
The cemetery is beautiful. And so peaceful. It was built as a final resting place for the members of the American Air Force and Army who died in the Allied Operations, September 1944- Spring 1945. To the left of the main court is a small building that houses the maps. 
Three maps are engraved on the walls: Operation Market, crossing the Roer and heading to the Rhine, and Normandy. 
There are two walls flanking the Court of Honor (the main area of the Memorial). This is the left wall.
The names and information of the 1,722 soldiers and airmen who were missing in action are listed on these walls.
The reflecting pool is in the center of the Court of Honor. Behind it is the Memorial Tower. It is 101 feet tall, and it's exterior walls are built out of English Portland Stone. So are the walls flanking the tower. 
American Oak trees are planted just outside the walls.
The visitors building is on the right side of the court, just as you enter. If you are looking for a particular grave site, they can help you find it. 
At the head of the reflecting pool is "The Mourning Woman" statute. She is made of bronze, and has three doves flying over her shoulder. 
The wreaths from last weekends ceremony were still there. You can see the flag pole in background.
This is the view of the Memorial Tower from the flag pole. 
There are 8,301 headstones in Margraten Cemetery: 8,122 Latin crosses, and 179 Stars of David.
At the base of the Memorial Tower is the Chapel. There is a bronze relief of the Tree of Life on it's doors. 
The crown chandelier in the Chapel was donated by the people of the Netherlands. 
These words were engraved on the wall of the Chapel: O Lord, support us all the day long, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, and the fever of life is over and our work is done. Then, in thy mercy, grant us a safe lodging and a Holy rest, and peace at the last.
Margraten Cemetery covers 65.5 acres. It's very peaceful. There are benches here and there, so you can sit and think. 
There are 40 sets of brothers buried here. 6 Medal of Honor recipients. 8,301 headstones. 1,722 Missing In Action. 
We had our floral arrangement class yesterday. I call this little beauty "Springtime in the Forest." 
Whatever you want to call it, it was lots of fun to make. Our teacher, Petra, is great, and we always have an awesome time creating new things. Happy Spring!
There are 8,301 men and women buried here. They served in the Air Force and Army. 40 sets of brothers are buried here. 106 unknown soldiers. All of these men and women came to Europe to fight for someone else's freedom. They gave the ultimate sacrifice for people that they had never met. 
This is the mirror pond in the Memorial Square. In the base of the tower is the chapel. 
At the foot of the tower is the bronze statute of a grieving woman. She stands next to a tree that was destroyed by war, but from which new life still emerges. 
Behind the tower, are the graves. There are soldiers from every state in the United States. If you think that they locals don't appreciate the sacrifices that these troops made for them, then you are mistaken. As the men and women were buried here, their graves were adopted by local families. These people didn't know the service member in life, but they keep his or her memory alive now. They tend to the graves: pulling weeds, cleaning the crosses, and bringing fresh flowers. They tell their children stories about the war, and the sacrifices that these soldiers and airmen made for them. They make sure that they don't take their freedom for granted. When they grow too old to take care of the grave properly, they pass is on to their children. They consider this not a burden, but an honor. There is a very long waiting list to adopt a grave here. These men and women will never be alone. 
It was not the best of weather for a ceremony. It alternated between mist and driving rain, but the people still came out to show their respect. They came from all over Europe, and the United States. Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands attended, as well as Dignitaries from Belgium and France. 
Some of our Airmen from Kleine Brogel took part in the ceremony. They stood at attention for hours in the pouring rain, and helped carry wreaths during the presentations. They made us very proud. 
Try to take a little time today to remember those who died for you, so that you have the freedom you have today. If a Dutch family can devote a lifetime to the care of one of these airmen or soldiers who died for our freedom, then you can take a few minutes out from that barbecue with the neighbors to send a silent "Thank You" to them as well. I'm just saying.
Things have been a bit crazy lately. With Memorial Day coming up, I thought it would be fitting to post these pics that I took last week. These are concrete bunkers along a nearby canal here in Belgium. 
Beautiful and peaceful now. Terrifying in a time of war. Take a moment to remember all those who fought for their country. 
Freedom isn't really free. Someone had to fight for it, or maybe even give their life to make sure that you get it. Be sure let them know how much you appreciate their gift.
