Some memorials adopted a medievalist theme instead, looking backwards to a more secure past, while others used emerging realist and Art Deco architectural styles to communicate the themes of the war. Allegorical and symbolic features, frequently drawing on Christian imagery, were used to communicate themes of self-sacrifice, victory and death. Classical themes were particularly common, taking the prevailing styles of the late 19th century and typically simplifying them to produce cleaner, more abstract memorials. Visitor numbers at many memorials increased significantly, while major national and civic memorials continue to be used for annual ceremonies remembering the war.Īrchitecturally, most war memorials were relatively conservative in design, aiming to use established styles to produce a tragic but comforting, noble and enduring commemoration of the war dead. Interest in World War I and its memorials faded after World War II, and did not increase again until the 1980s and 1990s, which saw the renovation of many existing memorials and the opening of new sites. This was a new social phenomenon and marked a major cultural shift in how nations commemorated conflicts. Huge numbers of memorials were built in the 1920s and 1930s, with around 176,000 erected in France alone. World War I is remembered and commemorated by various war memorials, including civic memorials, larger national monuments, war cemeteries, private memorials and a range of utilitarian designs such as halls and parks, dedicated to remembering those involved in the conflict. One should spend at least two hours at the cemetery, and be sure to visit the guest house to record your thoughts and look down upon the beautiful, and tragic, scene.The classically inspired Menin Gate in Ypres The cemetery required the inclusion of maps describing the actions of the different divisions during the campaign, engraved into the living stone. The chapel is especially beautiful and an important area for contemplation. The number of fallen is staggering and sobering. You will find buglers, pilots, and officers alongside simple privates. Note that you can download guides to all ABMC locations from their website () which will help inform you on your visit.Īs you pass row upon row of the fallen, take a moment to read the names, rank, and division of the soldier. The cemetery is beautifully maintained thanks to the hard work of the American Battle Monuments Commission. WWI American doughboys who fought in the Meuse-Argonne campaign area have their final resting place here, along with the many thousands of missing whose names are inscribed along the wall of the chapel. The Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, the largest American military cemetery in Europe, is indeed a sacred place. "This chapel is erected by the United States of America as a sacred rendezvous of a grateful people with its immortal dead" In good faith, this recommendation is provided to others who have similar interests and request the services and benefits of a professional tour-guide with first-hand knowledge and unique experience, so to realize the same benefits of this region of France, as we have. What was most outstanding was their patience with unforeseen circumstances that arose with researching various genealogy details and tour of the most significant WW I battle field sites in the Meuse-Argonne region near Verdun and WW II battle sites near Metz and Hagenau, France. This was the beginning of a relationship that provided knowledge of our family's roots in the Alsace area, as well as, locating World War I & II cemeteries and monuments in Lorraine-France area. As a follow up, we were referred to Tour-Guide Pieter Smits and spouse Terry Smits Moren who were exceptional with coordinating in advance details of our visit. My request through provided for a 4-Day Private Tour service that included transportation and much appreciated language skills. Army Veteran interested in our American WW I & II military treasures scattered throughout the Alsace-Lorraine region of France. My spouse and I have travelled over the past 15 years to Europe with other tour guide services and although their services were very satisfactory, our interest was to request a private and professional tour guide with genealogy expertise in the Alsace-Lorraine region of France to visit my family's roots and tour of military interests.
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