AWON Grave Visit Checklist

1. Preparing Yourself to Go --

Read up on the customs and manners of the country you are visiting, if it's not in the U.S.
Contact the ABMC (the American Battle Monuments Commission) in advance to find out if 1) special events are planned during your stay; 2) whether anyone has adopted the grave; and 3) if so, how to make contact before you arrive.
The ABMC maintains a website at http://www.abmc.gov Click here.
The ABMC can also be reached at these points of contact:

Through the ABMC, contact the specific overseas cemetery in advance of your visit,
Make all your reservations well in advance of your visit.
Passports are Free for orphans visiting a foreign cemetery, but you must first get a letter from the ABMC to present when you are applying for your passport.
If you can, it would be helpful to check with your AWON sibs, as you may wish to visit other graves when you go. This is always most appreciated.
Be RESTED before you leave.

2. Things to Take Along --

If you're unfamiliar with the city, village or area around the cemetery, take a map so you can speedily find your way.
Consider arranging for a driver to take you (one who knows the area), as your emotions may be tender, and you may be glad you didn't have to drive yourself.
Take a folding chair so you can comfortably sit and visit with your Dad.
Take a blanket to spread on the ground, and a piece of sturdy plastic in case the ground is wet.
Take an umbrella with you, as you don't want to have to cut your visit short in case of rain.
Take your camera or camcorder with plenty of film or tape (and extra batteries)!
Take several copies of a photo of your dad to show key people that you may happen to meet during your stay.
Take a personal memento that you may want to leave behind... something of yourself.
Take and leave behind some AWON Brochures, as you or your host(s) may be able to identify other sibs.
If you are meeting a group of the local population, take along small gifts... possibly insignia pins from you dad's unit, or something from the American Legion or AWON gift store... WWII commemorative pins or badges marking the end of the war.
Take a graphite pencil and paper, in case you want to do a "rubbing".
Take miniature American flags for the grave(s) you plan to visit.
Take a lunch if you plan to stay awhile.

3. Other Important Considerations --

Give yourself a day to acclimate to the country and culture before you make the visit to the place where your dad died or were he is buried.
If you don't speak the language, consider taking a translator along. Seek out the oldest member of the community with whom to talk.
Check the HOURS of the cemetery BEFORE you go, as you can't always assume that the cemetery will be open 24 hours.
If you want to take flowers to the cemetery, you might want to buy them in the city, or near where you are staying. Better not assume that flowers will be available near the cemetery.
Make sure you know where the nearest restrooms are located.
Exceptionally important! Plan to carve out some time by yourself, without your spouse, or friend, or cemetery staff, etc., so you can visit with your Dad. Take the opportunity you may have traveled far to find.
Plan to take in the whole environment... and fill your senses with it ... Be conscious of everything you see and hear and smell and touch. Who are your Father's neighbors... do you hear the birds... do you feel the wind on your face... are your shoes getting wet with the dew or snow?
Take your time . . . and do it leisurely. Don't be rushed... as it may be a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Take this thought along, just sent by Walt as an astute observation by Jack Anderson... when he visited his fathers grave site in Europe he brought along some dirt from around the home where he grew up...he said, "so that even though he is in Luxembourg, he is at home."

4. Additional Experience or Input --

Click Here to write to Walt Linne

Watch for future Checklists posted here!

Many thanks to Walt Linne for compiling and maintaining this information. On behalf of AWON, we dedicate this page to the memory of:

SGT Walter John Linne, KIA 24 March, 1945