Photo American Cemetery world war II by Remi Aerts

The World War II Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial is a war cemetery which lies in the village of Margraten six miles east of Maastricht, in the most southern part of The Netherlands. It is administered by the American Battle Monuments Commission.

The cemetery site has a rich historical background, lying near the famous Cologne-Boulogne highway, originally built by the Romans and used by Julius Caesar during his campaign in that area. The highway was also used by Charlemagne, Charles V, Napoleon, and Kaiser Wilhelm II. In May 1940, Hitler's legions advanced over the route of the old Roman highway, overwhelming the Low Countries. In September 1944, German troops once more used the highway for the withdrawal from the countries occupied for four years.

The tall memorial tower can be seen before reaching the cemetery which covers 65.5 acres. From the cemetery entrance the visitor approaches through the Court of Honor with its pool reflecting the chapel tower. The visitors' building is on the right and the museum with its three engraved operations maps describing the achievements of the American Armed Forces in the area during World War II is on the left. At the base of the tower facing the reflecting pool is a statue representing the grieving mother of her lost son.

The walls on either side of the Court of Honor contain the Tablets of the Missing on which are recorded the names of 1,722 American missing who gave their lives in the service of their country and who rest in unknown graves. Beyond the chapel and tower is the burial area which is divided into sixteen plots. Here rest 8,301 American dead, most of whom lost their lives nearby. Their headstones are set in long curves. A wide tree-lined mall leads to the flag staff which crowns the crest.

published:

Sun 29 Jun 2008 01:35

equipment:

digital camera Nikon D200

permanent link:

https://www.photoforum.ru/photo/444476/

comments (15 from 15)

all comments descending

System #1 Sat 28 Jun 2008 00:27

the photo has been reuploaded
фотография была заменена

Berenice Kauffmann Abud - AFIAP #2 Sun 29 Jun 2008 07:11

An excellent composition, Remi!
Thanks for the notes... very interesting!

win.ka #3 Sun 29 Jun 2008 12:44

great perspective and composition

regards,
winfried wink

Uwe Hennig #4 Sun 29 Jun 2008 12:44

Yes, thanks for the notes... very interesting, excellent photowork

Guenter-Georg #5 Sun 29 Jun 2008 13:14

excellent work!

Tatyana Savvateeva #6 Sun 29 Jun 2008 22:11

Exellent, Remi! I like your picture a lot. It's so dramatic - and elegant... So simple - and so refined... The rhytm of the crosses is very emotional. Strikingly impressive!