About this place

The World War I Flanders Field American Cemetery and Memorial lies on the southeast edge of the town of Waregem, Belgium, along the Lille-Gent AutoRoute E-17. It is located 175 miles north of Paris, France and 46 miles west of Brussels. The cemetery is within 30 miles of Brugge (Brugges) and Gent (Gand), the two largest cities in Flanders. Waregem may be reached by train from Brussels via Gent (Gand) in approximately one hour; from Paris, Gare du Nord, in about five hours via Rysel (Lille) and Kortrijk (Courtrai), and five and one-half hours via Brussels and Gent. Taxi service is available from the station in Waregem. The cemetery occupies a 6.2-acre site. Masses of graceful trees and shrubbery frame the burial area and screen it from the passing traffic. At the ends of the paths leading to three of the corners of the cemetery are circular retreats with benches and urns. At this peaceful location rest 368 American military dead, most of whom gave their lives in liberating Belgium in World War I. Their headstones are aligned in four symmetrical areas around the white stone chapel that stands in the center of the cemetery. The altar inside the chapel is of black and white Grand Antique marble having draped flags on each side; above it is a crusader's sword outlined in gold. The chapel furniture is of carved oak, stained black and white veining to harmonize with the altar. On the side walls are inscribed the names of 43 of the Missing in Action who gave their lives in the service of their Country, but whose remains were never recovered or identified. The cemetery is open daily to the public from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm except December 25 and January 1. It is open on host country holidays. When the cemetery is open to the public, a staff member is on duty in the Visitorsї Building to answer questions and escort relatives to grave and memorial sites.