st. mihiel american cemetery

This cemetery, while smaller than the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, is perhaps more beautiful and poignant. It contains the remains of 4,153 military dead who gave "the last full measure of devotion" in the battle of Saint Mihiel, an important offensive in preparation for the Meuse-Argonne campaign. The battle is often referred to as "the birth of the American army," since General John Pershing pulled American soldiers out of supporting positions in the French and British Armies and created an all-American army for the offensive. The cemetery is easy to find, and stands out along the Route de Verdun and would be difficult to miss. The staff of the visitor center speak fluent English and are helpful.On the western edge, the cemetery expresses the humanity of the doughboys with a statue of a soldier, helmet in hand, mourning the loss of his comrades. Note his revolver, map bag, and puttees (leg wraps). The symbol of the American Eagle is found throughout the cemetery, and is the centerpiece in the form of an eagle sundial. The sundial memorializes General Pershing's statement "Time will not dim the glory of their deeds."The south palisade contains a memorial flanked by a chapel and museum. The memorial is a pink granite urn, upon which is carved a pegasus representative of the soul's journey to heaven. The chapel contains a beautiful and striking mosaic of the Angel of Victory sheathing her sword: this should not be missed. Congress directed that these memorials include a map of the campaign, and the museum includes an impressive wall-sized map.We appreciated the beauty of this cemetery more than many others. The American Battlefield Monuments Commission must be commended for its care of America's brave fallen: the grounds are immaculate and well kept. This is a moving and profound experience.