Aisne Marne American Cemetery | Paris

The Aisne-Marne American Cemetery is a significant military cemetery located in the Aisne department of the Hauts-de-France region, near the town of Belleau in northeastern France. This cemetery is dedicated to the American soldiers who died during World War I, particularly those who fought in the Second Battle of the Marne in 1918. It serves as a solemn memorial to the sacrifices made by American forces during the war.

Key Features of the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery:

1. Historical Significance

• The Aisne-Marne American Cemetery commemorates the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) who fought in the Second Battle of the Marne (July 15–18, 1918). This battle was a turning point in World War I, marking the beginning of the German retreat on the Western Front.
• The battle was fought in the area around Belleau Wood, where American forces played a crucial role in repelling a German offensive. The victory helped ensure that the German army could not break through to Paris, ultimately leading to the Allied victory in the war.
• The cemetery is the final resting place of over 2,000 American soldiers who perished during this critical battle and other engagements in the region. Many of them were soldiers from U.S. Marine Corps units, which played a particularly prominent role in the fighting around Belleau Wood.

2. Location and Layout

• The Aisne-Marne American Cemetery is located near Belleau and is nestled among the rolling hills of the Champagne region of France. The site is peaceful and serene, offering visitors a moment of reflection and reverence for the fallen soldiers.
• The cemetery spans about 40 acres and is meticulously maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC). The graves are organized in neat rows, each marked by a white marble headstone bearing the name of the soldier, their rank, and the date of their death.

3. Memorials and Monuments

• The centerpiece of the cemetery is the Belleau Wood Memorial, which honors the memory of the American soldiers who fought and died in the Second Battle of the Marne. The memorial is a striking granite obelisk that stands as a tribute to the sacrifices made during the battle.
• The memorial chapel at the cemetery is another focal point of reflection, with stained-glass windows that depict scenes from the war and honor the soldiers who gave their lives. It provides a peaceful space for visitors to pay their respects.
• In addition to the graves and memorials, the cemetery also includes a Wall of the Missing, listing the names of American soldiers whose bodies were never recovered or identified. These names serve as a reminder of the many lives lost during the war.

4. The Battle of Belleau Wood

• The Second Battle of the Marne, which included the iconic battle at Belleau Wood, was one of the most intense and significant engagements of World War I. It marked the first major battle in which American troops, especially the U.S. Marines, were involved in large numbers.
• The fighting at Belleau Wood was brutal, with American soldiers facing well-entrenched German forces. Despite being outnumbered and under heavy fire, the U.S. Marines and other American forces managed to push the Germans back, securing a key victory for the Allies.
• The bravery and determination of the American forces during this battle earned them great respect, and the battle has since been an important part of American military history. The Marines were so revered for their efforts in Belleau Wood that the Germans reportedly called them “Teufelshunde” (Devil Dogs), a nickname that is still associated with the U.S. Marine Corps.

5. The Soldiers Buried Here

• The soldiers buried at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery come from various states in the U.S., and they represent a diverse cross-section of the American military. Many of the men were from the U.S. Marine Corps, but there are also soldiers from the Army, as well as medical and support personnel.
• The majority of the soldiers buried at the cemetery died between June and October 1918, with many falling in the fierce fighting around Belleau Wood and the Marne River.
• The cemetery is not just a place of rest but also a testament to the contributions of the American forces in securing victory during the war.

6. Visiting the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery

• The cemetery is open to the public year-round and offers an opportunity for visitors to pay their respects to the soldiers who fought and died in World War I. It serves as a site of historical remembrance and commemoration for both American and international visitors.
• The American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) provides information and resources for visitors, including a visitor center that details the history of the battle and the soldiers buried in the cemetery.
• Memorial Day services are held annually, drawing visitors, veterans, and local French citizens to honor the fallen soldiers.

7. Educational and Cultural Importance

• The Aisne-Marne American Cemetery serves as an important educational site, helping to preserve the history of the Second Battle of the Marne and the broader role of American forces in World War I.
• The cemetery also plays a role in fostering the bond between France and the United States. It stands as a symbol of the shared sacrifices made by both nations during the war, as well as their ongoing friendship and alliance.

Conclusion

The Aisne-Marne American Cemetery is a poignant and powerful memorial to the American soldiers who died in the Second Battle of the Marne during World War I. It is a place of remembrance, honoring the bravery and sacrifice of the men who fought to protect freedom and peace. Visitors to the cemetery can reflect on the deep historical significance of the site, learn about the battle, and pay tribute to the fallen heroes who gave their lives for the cause.