The heart of our weekend was the Luxembourg American Cemetery, where more than 5,000 U.S. service members are laid to rest, most of them lost during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

This cemetery is where General George S. Patton is buried, standing among his soldiers just as he did in life. The grounds are immaculately kept — long rows of white crosses and Stars of David stretching across gentle green hills, all facing the same direction.

Attending the Memorial Day services here was deeply moving. Flags, music, and quiet moments of reflection created a powerful atmosphere. Many of the soldiers buried here were barely older than teenagers, thousands of miles from home, fighting for the liberation of Europe.

Luxembourg owes much of its freedom to those who never made it back. Standing there, it was impossible not to feel the weight of that sacrifice.