Discover the History of Flanders Field American Cemetery

The Flanders Field American Cemetery and Memorial in Belgium occupies a 6.2-acre site. Masses of graceful trees and shrubbery frame the burial area and screen it from 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 site rest 368 of our military dead, most of whom gave their lives in liberating the soil of 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 made of black and white Grand Antique marble with draped flags on each side; above it is a crusader’s sword outlined in gold. The chapel furniture is made of carved oak, stained black with white veining to harmonize with the altar; 43 names are inscribed on the Walls of the Missing.

Flanders Field American Cemetery lies on the southeast edge of the town of Waregem, Belgium, along the Lille-Gent Autoroute E-17.

The cemetery is within 44 miles of Brugge, Belgium and 22 miles of Gent, Belgium.

World War I erupted in August 1914, with the Western Front becoming the primary battleground between the Allies and the Central Powers.

The United States initially remained neutral, but increasing German aggression, including unrestricted submarine warfare, led to U.S. involvement in 1917.

American forces played a crucial role in bolstering the Allies. The U.S. 27th and 30th Divisions fought under British command in Belgium, contributing significantly to the Ypres-Lys Offensive. The U.S. 37th and 91st Divisions later joined the French Army in Flanders, helping push back German forces in the final weeks of the war.

By the time the Armistice took effect on November 11, 1918, more than 81,000 American service members had died in Europe and European waters, including 1,043 on Belgian soil. Today, the Flanders Field American Cemetery stands as a solemn tribute to their sacrifice.

Flanders Field

• April 6, 1917: The United States declared war on Germany.
• June 13, 1917: General John J. Pershing arrived in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, with a small staff contingent.
• June 26, 1917: U.S. forces began landing in France to train and prepare for combat.
• March 21, 1918: Germany launched a series of major offensives along the Western Front.
• May 1918: The U.S. 27th and 30th Divisions arrived in France and became part of the U.S. II Corps, operating under British command in Belgium.
• May 28, 1918: The U.S. 1st Division captured Cantigny, France, marking the first major offensive combat action by a U.S. division-sized force.
• August 19, 1918: The Ypres-Lys Offensive began. The U.S. 27th and 30th Divisions assumed full control of adjoining divisional sectors along the Lys River salient, south of Ypres, Belgium.
• October 17, 1918: The U.S. 37th and 91st Divisions moved from the Meuse-Argonne Offensive to join the French Army in Belgium, as part of the Group of Armies in Flanders, commanded by King Albert I of Belgium.
• October 31, 1918: Allied forces launched the second Ypres-Lys Offensive, advancing toward the Escaut (Scheldt) River.
• November 11, 1918: The Armistice took effect, ending hostilities in World War I.

Vintage Poster

Vintage posters convey the beauty, tranquility, and solemnity of the place as a sign of respect for those who fought so that we can live free today.