Grand Duche de Luxembourg

This first set of photos are the "Then" and "Now" set that show a couple of locations that my husband had visited with his father during the early 60’s.

The FIRST TWO is of Gëlle Fra” Memorial: set up in 1923 to commemorate the Luxembourgers who perished in the First World War.

The SECOND SET is in front of the Cathedral to the Blessed Virgin.

Above is the Deer Crossing mentioned later on in the narrative.

During our trip to Trier we decided to take a drive to Luxembourg and revisit an area that my husband had once toured with his family some forty years ago!

The drive from Trier to Luxemborg was ideallic in that the weather was beautiful and the traffic—nonexistent! That is to say, no German “Stau” to contend with! We particularly enjoyed seeing the numerous “deer crossing(s)” (see photo above) which stretched overhead from one side of the highway to the other side. What was particularly interesting about these crossings was that they were “landscaped”! (The USA deer should be so lucky!)


The city of Luxemborg was quite interesting. We first noticed that there were banks everywhere! (After further research, I found that Luxembourg plays a major role in the international financial world. Indeed, there are over 220 banks which represents the greatest number concentrated in one area than all others in the European communities! Also listed are more than 14,000 domiciled Holding Companies as well as some 1,300 Investment Funds!) Hmmm...and I thought the Swiss banks ruled!

Historically, Lucilinburhuc (Luxembourg) started in the year 963. The founder of the Luxembourg Dynasty, Siegfried (Count of the Ardennes) built a castle on the area which is now present day capital of Luxembourg. Despite Luxembourg’s “neutrality” status, the country was occupied by German troops twice during the two World Wars. The Battle of the Bulge was to a great extent fought on Luxembourg soil.

Since we were on a “short” day excursion, our time was limited in the city of Luxembourg itself, as we wanted to also visit the American Military Cemetary and pay our respects to the soldiers that perished during the second World War. Also at this cemetary is the gravesite of General Patton.

Interestingly enough, as we were leaving the American Military Cemetary, we came upon signs that led to the German Military Cemetary as well. We decided to visit this cemetary and pay respects to the “soldier(s)” who also perished in the second World War. (Note: we did not pay homage “Germany’s soldiers”, rather we showed our respect for the “soldier” in general--such a sad thought (on both sides), that so many perished...). The visit to both cemetaries was humbling to say the least.