Today we bid a very fond farewell to the Viking Hild, our home away from home from Switzerland through Germany. The outstanding crew on the Hild made for a most memorable voyage. But the fun isn’t over yet! The road from Trier to Paris includes two important stops: the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial and the magnificent Reims Cathedral.
The Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial was built on a site liberated by the U.S. 5th Armored Division on September 10, 1944. It is one of the 26 American cemeteries operated and maintained by the American Battle Monuments Association. The association fulfills the vision of General John J. Pershing who promised that “time will not dim the glory of their deeds.”
Each of the tall wrought iron sections of the gate bears gilded laurel wreaths, the ancient award for valor. Gilded eagles surmount the stone pillars.
Despite the rain, this was a very moving visit.
Continuing west, we crossed the border into France and arrived in Reims for a visit to the Cathedral of Notre Dame. The ornate Gothic architecture tells stories of angels, saints and royalty.
The stained glass windows date from the 13th to the 20th centuries.
After a long day of sightseeing and bus riding, we caught our first glimpse of the Seine, and I remembered why I ❤️Paris!
,
Timeless Travelers 
Great photos of beautiful churches! And military cemeteries always make me tear up. So simplistic, yet such a beautiful resting place for our hero’s!
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Great photos of beautiful churches! And military cemeteries always make me tear up. So simplistic, yet such a beautiful resting place for our hero’s!
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We just got off of the Viking Saturn in Rome and are on the Tuscan Villa extension. On the way to the villa we made an unscheduled stop at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. We were there at sunset and several Veterans in our group were able to participate in the lowering and folding of the flag while Taps was played. It was a very moving moment in an otherwise very busy trip. I will remember it as a solemn highlight of this trip. Thinking of all those brave mostly very young soldiers who gave all so we could enjoy our lives today.
I could not help but think of all the mothers and fathers and wives and siblings who would never see their loved ones again.
I’m grateful to have a President at the moment who also understands the noble concept of service.
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Thanks for sharing! So happy to be back to travel.
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Your photographs of the Luxembourg American Cemetery remind me so much of the hours that Sue and I spent at the cemetery in Normandy. We beat the 75th-anniversary crowd by going in March, and ended our trip in Paris, three weeks before the horrific fire at Notre-Dame.
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What a beautiful post Denise and Doug! Thank you for sharing. I so love Reims as well and you captured beautiful photos of the cathedral. Enjoy Paris and safe travels. Amy J
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As always, beautiful photos, many touching! Enjoy your stay in Paris, travel safely
home. Bev💕
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