Memorial Day is a time when the heroism of men and women who served our country is honored, remembered, and celebrated. We should take this time to both remember the service men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedom and those who are today putting their lives on the line for our country.

As we remember our nation’s fallen heroes this Memorial Day, I am reminded of the opportunity I had earlier this year to visit the North Africa American Cemetery in Carthage, Tunisia, during a Senate Armed Services Committee trip which included stops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The cemetery is a sacred tribute to the American men and women who lost their lives during the Allied landings in Morocco and Algeria during World War II, as well as during their occupation and in the subsequent fighting that culminated in the liberation of Tunisia. Others died as a result of accident or sickness in North Africa, or while serving in the Persian Gulf Command in Iran.

The American Battle Monuments Commission built and maintains the cemetery in North Africa. Created by Congress in 1923, the Commission also maintains memorials and cemeteries in the United States and in the many foreign countries where the United States Armed Forces have served since 1917.

The cemetery site in Carthage, covering 27 acres of the plateau that lies between the Mediterranean and the Bay of Tunis, was established in 1948. Construction of the cemetery and memorial was completed in 1960. It is located near the site of the ancient city destroyed by the Romans in 146 BC and lies over part of the site of Roman Carthage. Buried here are 2,841 of our soldiers who lost their lives in the region, including 13 Mainers. Another 35 men and one woman, Shirley Charter, from Maine are listed on the “Tablets of the Missing.” Also in this cemetery, in four instances, are two brothers buried side by side. Medal of Honor Recipient Private Nicholas Minute is interred there, as well as Woman’s Army Corps Private Celia Goldberg.

The Tablets of the Missing consist of a wall 364 feet long, which includes panels bearing the names of 3,724 of missing soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and Coast Guard members. These men and women gave their lives in the service of their country, but their remains were lost, buried at sea, or not identified. At each end of the tablets is this moving inscription: HERE ARE RECORDED THE NAMES OF AMERICANS WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE SERVICE OF THEIR COUNTRY AND WHO SLEEP IN UNKNOWN GRAVES 1941 – 45 * INTO THY HANDS O LORD.

Near the foot of the steps leading down from the forecourt is a pool and figure of honor poised to bestow a laurel branch upon those who gave their lives. The figure’s pedestal bears this inscription: HONOR THEM THAT TROD THE PATH OF HONOR.

On the visitor’s building is a quote from General Dwight Eisenhower: HERE WE AND ALL WHO SHALL HEREAFTER LIVE IN FREEDOM WILL BE REMINDED THAT TO THESE MEN AND THEIR COMRADES WE OWE A DEBT TO BE PAID WITH GRATEFUL REMEMBRANCE OF THEIR SACRIFICE AND WITH THE HIGH RESOLVE THAT THE CAUSE FOR WHICH THEY DIED SHALL LIVE.

Along the wall are two sculptured figures, MEMORY and RECOLLECTION, the latter holding a book with the inscription PRO PATRIA (for one’s country). Between these figures are oak leaf wreaths on which are engraved the names of the battles on land, sea, and in the air, in which the American forces participated.

Next we entered the Court of Honor and chapel. Within the Court of Honor is a large rectangular stone of remembrance and this inscription, adapted from Ecclesiastes 44: SOME THERE BE WHICH HAVE NO SEPULCHRE. THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE. Further inscriptions read in English, French, and Arabic: 1941 – 1945 – IN PROUD REMEMBRANCE OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF HER SONS AND IN HUMBLE TRIBUTE TO THEIR SACRIFICES THIS MEMORIAL HAS BEEN ERECTED BY THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. A large map records the military operations of the American Forces and those of the Allies in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia from the initial “Torch” landings on November 8, 1942 to the Axis surrender on May 13, 1943.

The simple chapel is lighted by a tall window on the right and a row of lower windows on the left and contains an altar of white marble inscribed with a Biblical quotation and one from Shelley’s ode “Adonais:” “HE HAS OUTSOARED THE SHADOW OF OUR NIGHT.” To the left of the altar are the United States flag and Christian and Jewish chapel flags. The flags of the Infantry, Field Artillery, Air Corps, Armor and Navy Infantry Battalion soar above the pews. Beneath the flags is this prayer: ALMIGHTY GOD, RECEIVE THESE THY HEROIC SERVANTS INTO THY KINGDOM. North of the chapel, down a flight of steps, is a memorial garden with a pool. The plants include latana, poinciana, pink geraniums, and a Jerusalem thorn tree. And beyond is the cemetery.

As I walked among this beautiful monument and cemetery, I said a prayer of gratitude to those service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. Best wishes to all Mainers as we celebrate Memorial Day. As we enjoy picnics and parades, let us pause to remember those whose sacrifices and service ensured our freedom.

Copy the Story Link