Originally published in the Deseret News.
I’ve been to an American cemetery overseas before, but not as part of an official delegation led by a commander and chief. The Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial includes the remains of 5,076 Americans, including Gen. George Patton. Also included are 13 Utahns and one Utahn listed as missing in action. Gov. Gary Herbert and first lady Jeanette Herbert placed a wreath at the cemetery on behalf of a grateful state. The wreath read, “They shall not be forgotten. Utah remembers.”
With about 30 people in attendance for the ceremony, the cemetery officials played “Taps” in honor of the dead. After the military hymn, the bells in the monument rang the national anthem. I stood there under the hot sun as my face flashed red with emotion and my eyes swelled with moisture. The governor approached the microphone and said, “All we ever asked in return was a little ground to bury our dead.”
It was a poignant tribute to our country and the approximately 65,000 Utahns who served in World War II. This was definitely our nation and state’s greatest generation.
American cemeteries overseas are sacred places. We honor our dead with the very best. The grounds are immaculate and lush. The grass is short and no weeds can be found. The ambiance is one of complete love and honor. Pain yes, regret no. This is why we are the land of the free and the home of the brave.
The governor highlighted in his remarks the values and ideas of America. He said people love America because of the principles and values we represent. He emphasized ideas win the hearts and minds of people, not better guns or tanks.
Gov. Herbert reflected upon the greatness of America by telling a story about his visit to an American hospital in Kuwait. He met with a group of injured soldiers from the Republic of Georgia. One of them had lost his leg when an IED (improvised explosive device) exploded under his feet. Despite his infirmity, the man said, “Governor, it was an honor to serve along side Americans.” This came from someone whose territory and family at an earlier time would have been a sworn enemy to the United States.
The members of the delegation separated into groups to find the 13 white crosses among the 5,076 graves that denote the final resting place for Utah’s fallen sons. We placed small U.S. and Utah flags at each Utah gravesite. The cemetery director said it was the first time the state of Utah had formally visited the cemetery to honor these young heroes.
My group was tasked with placing flags at the grave of Pvt. Howard Hickenlooper of the 101 Airborne Division. He died the day after Christmas in 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge where 19,000 Americans were killed. According to a testimonial provided to us about the soldier, Hickenlooper died when a German rifle bullet pierced his neck. His wife had just delivered twins, but he didn’t know it. The letter arrived after he died.
As you enter the cemetery a large monument reads, “In proud remembrance of the achievement of her sons and in humble tribute to her sacrifices.” As you leave, an inscription reads, “Take unto thyself O Lord the souls of the valorous that they may dwell in thy glory.”
The next stop will be the Saarland — a steel and tech hub in southern Germany.