Many towns and villages near our cemeteries in Europe have a deep appreciation for the American sacrifice, and they want to ensure it’s not forgotten as we become further removed from World War II.  Earlier this month, the village of Quenoche in the Haute-Saône department of France, adopted three graves at Epinal American Cemetery. Cpl. Lawrence Hicks, Pvt. Dickie Kramer, and Pvt. Frank Taverni all served with the 3^rd Infantry Division, and died in the fight to liberate Quenoche. During this ceremony that Mayor Of Quenoche delivered remarks, and expressed his gratitude for the sacrifice of these brave men.

Adopters do not maintain the gravesites, rather they work to honor the person’s sacrifice. They do this by placing flowers, and by passing on the soldier’s story from one generation to the next.