Cemeteries and Memorials

Outside Ypres lies one of the largest WWI cemeteries, Tyne Cot. I think of about 12,000 burials there, 8,000 or so are of unknown soldiers. World War I cemeteries seem to be scattered everywhere in the area, as most soldiers were buried near where they died instead of being placed in one large cemetery.

I was interested to learn that WWI had units of bicyclists who carried machine guns. Every army had a cyclists division.

The German cemetery across town is a little starker. Perhaps it's my country bias, but at the various Allied cemeteries I often feel appreciative about the sacrifice the soldiers made. Here at the German cemetery I just felt like what a waste and tremendous loss it all was.

Mike found some Eberles on the list of soldiers with unknown graves, even a Richard Eberle, the same name as his father. They are probably not relations though, as Eberle is apparently a common name in southern Germany and Austria. 

In the town of Ypres is the Menin Gate, honoring 54,389 WWI soldiers with unknown graves from the British Commonwealth, where every night since 1929 (except for 4 years of German occupation during WWII) a Last Post ceremony is performed. I find it pretty incredible that so many people come every night to honor the fallen soldiers after so many years have passed. There were choirs who sang, a prayer given, wreaths were placed, a minute of silence observed and soldiers played 'Last Post' on their bugles. 'Last Post' was traditionally played in the British military to signal the end of the day. It's a touching ceremony honoring those who died for their country.