Veterans Day

Today at Veterans Day, I went to Waregem to honor the men who gave the ultimate sacrifice in WW I for our freedom and have their final resting place at the Flanders Field American Cemetery.

When I arrived there were already some people. Mainly parents of Boy Scouts from SHAPE Pack 325.

At the grave of Sgt Willis Lewis Burnworth I placed fresh flowers next to the one's we brought November 1st, the day he was killed in action 97 years ago.

A couple with 3 teenage girls passed plot C. I greeted them and we started talking. They are from Maine, the father is stationed at SHAPE. We had a nice talk about what they can and should visit in the Province of West Flanders, the history of the cemetery and the adoption program.

The little ceremony started with the Boy Scouts and the American Legion who entered the garden with the wreaths. The public was invited to approach, so they could see and hear everything close.

When all wreaths were in place we listened to "Taps" in honor of the fallen soldiers, followed by the Presidential Proclamation. A young Boy Scout read the "In Flanders Field" poem.

Everybody got a little moment for a silent prayer. In our thoughts we thanked the soldiers, who left their country to help liberate a little brave country and never saw their family again. A teenage girl cited the Act of Remembrance. We will remember them, lets we forget.

The ceremony ended with a carillon concert. While most of the visitors left the cemetery, I took pictures of the tombs of the 7 soldiers who died on Armistice Day. I suppose these 7 were not the only ones that lost their live on November 11th of 1918. But they are the ones buried at this cemetery.

Pvt Joe Novich, 145th Inf, 37th Div, Pennsylvania - Killed in Action

Sgt Walter Lang, 147th Inf, 37th Div, Ohio - Killed in Action

Pvt Theodore Brabender, 147th Inf, 37th Div, New York - Killed in Action

Sgt Edgar Van Kirk, 112th Engrs, 37th Div, Ohio - Died of Wounds

Cpl Andrew Horrell, 147th Inf, 37th Div, Illinois - Killed in Action

1Sgt Ray Kistner, 147th Inf, 37th Div, Ohio - Killed in Action

Pvt William Fossum, 148th Inf, 37th Div, Minnesota - Killed in Action