THE AMERICAN MILITARY CEMETERY AND MEMORIAL
When I need some quiet time and reflection one of my favorite peaceful destinations
is just 10 minutes drive from where I live.
Cambridge UK
The American Military cemetery just outside Cambridge was first established on 7 December 1943, when 30.5 acres of land was donated by the University of Cambridge to the people of the USA. This was then selected as a site for a permanent American Military Cemetery in the UK. The cemetery was officially dedicated on 16 July 1956.
View towards the flag pole & view behind towards the Cemetery Memorial
At the foot of this 72-foot high flagpole in front of the visitors building is an inscription taken from a John McCrae poem - In Flanders Fields " To You From Failing Hands We Throw The Torch - Be Yours To Hold It High." and on looking out from a point at the northern edge of the flagpole platform you notice that the headstones are all aligned like the spokes of a wheel.
For me this is such a tranquil, peaceful and humbling place to spend quiet moments in thought.
The great reflecting pools bordered by roses, stretch east to the Cemetery Memorial. The Wall of the Missing (see picture above) is 472 feet in length, made of Portland limestone which was quarried in southern England. The wall records the names and particulars of 5,125 of the missing US service personnel, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, but whose remains were either never recovered or positively identified.
Along the Wall are four statues representing a Soldier, a Sailor, an Airman and a Coast Guard in their typical uniforms and weapons. It is a truly awe inspiring place.
For more information on this cemetery and memorial you can contact the Superintendent or one of his assistants on duty in the Visitors' Building.
Cambridge American Military Cemetery Coton, Cambridge England CB23 7PH
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