Henri Chapelle American Cemetery and Memorial

While we were at the wreath laying ceremony, David spoke with a Dutch family who was able to give us information on how to find where his great Uncle Lillard is buried.  We discovered that he was buried at the Henri Chapell American Cemetery which was just about 20 minutes from where we were. Needless to say, we headed there when we were done with the wreath laying.

Henri Chapelle American Cemetery is the final resting place of 7992 American soldiers, and was established in 1944 by the American Army.  Many were killed during the Ardennes Offensive (Battle of the Bulge), the conquest of the city of Aachen, and the Battle of Hurtgen Forest.

 On the pillars of this walkway are the names of 450 whose bodies were not found.

 Lillard E. Pratt

Capt. 343 FA BN 90 DIV

Nebraska Feb. 22, 1945

We are only the second of Lillard's family to have the privilege of visiting his grave and being able to say, "Thank you for your sacrifice".

 

 Inside the visitor's center there are two walls that depict the battle routes during the war

 The cemetery is on a hill with some beautiful views of the Belgian countryside.

David stopped in and spoke to someone in the office and found out that they also have an "adopt-a-grave" program and we are waiting to hear if Lillard's grave has an adoptive family, and if so, we hope to meet them to thank them for remembering and honoring Lillard.