When I learned that Patton was buried 10 minutes from my hotel in Luxembourg, I had to make the pilgrimage. The Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial is a bit of touristy place, but it is well worth the trip. The following description, photos, and video comes from my trip there on April 18, 2013.
There is plenty to say about the history of the cemetery. Americans liberated the spot from German occupation on September 10, 1944. The spot became a temporary burial ground, but the Luxembourg government made it a permanent home for American fallen without any charge or tax. It currently houses 5,076 headstones of fallen Americans.
When we pulled up, there was a bus of tourists emptying.
After you pass the gate, you can see a large chapel, flanked by two giant maps depicting the Battle of the Bulge (1944-1945).
The inside of the chapel is available for anyone who wants to pray.
The leader of the bus tour group used the magnificent maps on either side of the chapel to describe the battle.
Patton’s grave sits on its own. He was originally buried among the other troops, but they eventually moved him, as visitors always trekked to his grave, disturbing the surrounding ground.
With more than 50 acres, the site is impressive.
Here is a video scanning the cemetery.
The experience was worthwhile and visitors will note the experience to be distinctly American. The site is reminiscent of national cemeteries in the States and other parts of the world.
Further Reading
Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial by American Battle Monuments Commission
Snow and Steel: The Battle of the Bulge, 1944-45 (2015) by Peter Caddick-Adams
Luxembourg: History, Landscape, and Traditions (2017) by Stephane Bern