Flanders Field
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The World War I Flanders Field American Cemetery and Memorial lies on the southeast edge of the town of Waregem, Belgium, along the Lille-Ghent E17 highway. It is located 175 miles north of Paris, France and 46 miles west of Brussels. The cemetery is within 30 miles of Brugge (Bruges) and Gent (Ghent), two cities in Flanders. Waregem may be reached by train from Brussels via Ghent in approximately one hour; from Paris, Gare du Nord, in about five hours via Lille and Kortrijk (Courtrai), and five and one-half hours via Brussels and Ghent. Taxi service is available from the station in Waregem.
The cemetery occupies a six acre (24,000 m²) site. Masses of graceful trees and shrubbery frame the burial area and screen it from the 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 location rest 368 American military Dead, most of whom gave their lives in liberating 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 of black and white Grand Antique marble having draped flags on each side; above it is a crusader's sword outlined in gold. The chapel furniture is of carved oak, stained black and white veining to harmonize with the altar. On the side walls are inscribed the names of 43 of the Missing in Action who gave their lives in the service of their Country, but whose remains were never recovered or identified.
The cemetery is open daily to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except 25 December and 1 January. It is open on host country holidays. When the cemetery is open to the public, a staff member is on duty in the Visitors’ Building to answer questions and escort relatives to grave and memorial sites. Flanders Field is a sacred little place where people see different things.
John McCrae's "In Flanders Fields" remains to this day one of the most memorable war poems ever written.
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