American cemetery in France to commemorate Armed Forces Day Published April 25, 2008 By Airman Alexandria Mosness 435th Air Base Wing Public Affairs ST. AVOLD, France -- In commemoration of Armed Forces Day, a memorial service will be held and Echo Taps played at 11 a.m. May 17 at the Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial here. The Lorraine American Cemetery is the largest European cemetery for World War II fallen comrades. More than 10,000 Airmen and Soldiers rest in this cemetery, which is located 84 kilometers southwest from Ramstein. Cemetery access is free of charge and open to the public 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, including weekends and holidays. "Our main goal is welcoming and assisting visitors," said Horace Thompson the superintendent at Lorraine American Cemetery. "If it is next of kin, we will pick them up from the train station, take them to lunch, and help them buy flowers. We rarely turn down any next of kin requests because we feel they have already paid for any services we render," said Mr. Thompson. Guided tours in English are available without prior notice, but for tours in French and German an appointment is required. Nineteen workers maintain the upkeep of the cemetery. "There are inspections every week, and if there is something wrong with a headstone we will replace it immediately," said Walter Benjamin, the assistant superintendent at the cemetery. "Cemeteries are among the most beautiful shrines in the world," said Mr. Benjamin who makes sure the maintenance for the cemetery is above standards. Many untold stories and interesting facts can be found at the cemetery. "There are 28 pairs of brothers who lay side by side in the cemetery," said Mr. Thompson. "And one pair is twins who died only one day apart." To get to the Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial, take Autobahn A6 to Saarbrücken and then Autoroute A4 towards Metz/Paris. For more information, call the cemetery at 0033-387-92-0732, e-mail lorraine@abmc.gov, or visit www.abmc.gov.