Wortegem-Petegem

This cemetery commemorates the 411 American servicemen who died in Belgium during WWI. The US did not enter the war until 1917, one year before the Armistice. We watched a movie explaining how the Belgian people are still very grateful, explaining the grave adoption program. They learn about "their" serviceman, bring flowers, and send messages to family if any are still alive. Every year on our Memorial Day, the children sing our National Anthem. It is very moving to hear about it. The poem, In Flanders Fields, was written by Canadian Lt Col John McCrae, army physician.

We were happy to see a tour bus visiting the cemetery while we were there.Read more