Flanders Field Grave Adoption Ceremony

Today is the big day. We leave early to be sure that we will have parking near the cemetery. Everything looks well organized; American Legion members and some boyscouts are busy to ensure everything runs smoothly.

The adopters and their families take place at the cemetery. Joseph Schram, Commander of the American Legion Post # 2, gives a brief explanation of how the day will proceed.

After the speech of H.E. Ms Denise Bauer, U.S. Ambassador to Belgium, a bugler plays in the background "Taps" in honor of the deceased soldiers. We are invited to walk to the grave we have adopted in order to receive our adoption certificate.

At the end of the ceremony the ambassodor talks with several adopters. She thanks me for the organization of the Belgian part of the Memorial Day Service. During our conversation we had the opportunity to explain our next round trip to the Sates.