Lorraine Cemetery service set to honor America's fallen heroes Published April 28, 2009 By Tech. Sgt. Michael Voss Ramstein Public Affairs RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- The site of American headstones may not be what one expects to see in Europe, but the Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial in Saint-Avold, France is the resting place of the remains of 10,489 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and civilians. Each year Americans and Europeans alike come to visit the largest World War II Cemetery in Europe. The cemetery is located 89 kilometers southwest of Ramstein Air Base; all are invited to honor these fallen heroes. The ceremony has come to be known as the American Memorial Day, and each year brings nearly 1,500 people from as far as England to pay their respects. "Last year's Memorial Day Ceremony was magnificent. We received about 2,000 people that day," said Walter Benjamin, Lorraine American Cemetery & Memorial assistant superintendent. "It was a fitting tribute to our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and civilians." This year's ceremony will be held May 24 at 11 a.m. and will feature a platoon from the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force as well as many U.S. and French dignitaries from organizations including the Veteran's of Foreign Wars, American Legion and Consul General from Strasbourg, France. "Our expectation is to increase awareness to people all over the world, to encourage them to come and see these magnificent shrines for themselves and to bring their children to visit the men and women who have sacrificed everything they had so the world can live in freedom and peace," said Mr. Benjamin. The ceremony is scheduled to last about an hour and will be followed by a reception in Saint-Avold. In addition, the day's activities will include a picnic. The ceremony and reception are free of charge; however, the picnic is €15.00 for adults and €10.00 for children. For interested persons who cannot make the American Memorial Ceremony, the Lorraine American Cemetery access is free of charge and open to the public 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, including weekends and holidays. Guided tours in English are available without prior notice, but for tours in French and German an appointment is required. To get to the Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial, take Autobahn A6 to Saarbrücken and then Autoroute A4 toward Metz/Paris. For more information, call the cemetery at 0033-387-92-0732, e-mail lorraine@abmc.gov, or visit www.abmc.gov.