Airmen from the 52nd Fighter Wing post the colors during a Veterans Day ceremony at the Luxembourg American Cemetery, Luxembourg, on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015. The airmen traveled from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, to participate in the annual ceremony. (Michael B. Keller/Stars and Stripes)
LUXEMBOURG — Beneath thick clouds that slowly gave way to bright sun, servicemembers, civilians and veterans gathered at the Luxembourg American Cemetery for a Veterans Day ceremony.
The cemetery, consisting of 17 acres of manicured lawns, 33.5 acres of wooded area, a chapel and several memorials, is located in the tiny nation’s capital. It is the final resting place for 5,076 troops. They include Gen. George S. Patton Jr., Third Army commander during World War II.
During the ceremony, volunteers from the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, served as an honor flight, posted the colors, performed taps and gave a 21-gun salute. Representatives from the U.S. Embassy, 52nd Fighter Wing, U.S. Veterans Friends of Luxembourg and the Patton Foundation were also in attendance.
Airmen from the 52nd Fighter Wing post the colors during a Veterans Day ceremony at the Luxembourg American Cemetery, Luxembourg, on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015. The airmen traveled from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, to participate in the annual ceremony. (Michael B. Keller/Stars and Stripes)
Allison Shorter-Lawrence, Deputy Chief of Mission to the U.S. Embassy, Luxembourg, speaks during a Veterans Day ceremony at the Luxembourg American Cemetery, Luxembourg, on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015. (Michael B. Keller/Stars and Stripes)
Col. Joseph McFall, 52nd Fighter Wing commander, speaks during a a Veterans Day ceremony at the Luxembourg American Cemetery, Luxembourg, on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015. The 52nd Fighter Wing is stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. (Michael B. Keller/Stars and Stripes)
Helen Patton, Gen. George S. Patton Jr.'s granddaughter, right, and Timothy Lone present a wreath on behalf of the Patton Foundation during a Veterans Day ceremony at the Luxembourg American Cemetery, Luxembourg, on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015. Gen. Patton was the Third Army commander during World War II, and is buried at the cemetery. (Michael B. Keller/Stars and Stripes)
The 52nd Fighter Wing Honor Guard performs a 21-gun salute during a Veterans Day ceremony at the Luxembourg American Cemetery, Luxembourg, on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015. The honor guard traveled from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, to participate in the annual ceremony. (Michael B. Keller/Stars and Stripes)
Visitors attend a Veterans Day ceremony at the Luxembourg American Cemetery, Luxembourg, on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015. (Michael B. Keller/Stars and Stripes)
Helen Patton, Gen. George S. Patton Jr.'s granddaughter, lays flowers at his grave during a Veterans Day ceremony at the Luxembourg American Cemetery, Luxembourg, on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015. Gen. Patton was the Third Army commander during World War II, and played a critical role in the liberation of Europe. (Michael B. Keller/Stars and Stripes)
Visitors view the graves of fallen Americans after a Veteran's Day ceremony at the Luxembourg American Cemetery, Luxembourg, on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015. (Michael B. Keller/Stars and Stripes)
A visitor to the Luxembourg American Cemetery views wreaths laid during a Veterans Day ceremony, Luxembourg, on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015. (Michael B. Keller/Stars and Stripes)
