George Ottmar Mergenthalher and Eschweiler, Luxembourg

These pictures are taken in Eschweiler, Luxembourg. P had read an old National Geographic article that talked about an American serviceman adopted by a small town in the fall of 1944. He was killed soon after leaving town during the first days of the German attack at the Battle of the Bulge. His body identified the next spring by the hand knit vest that he had received from his mother. After the war, he was memorialized in the small church. 

George Ottmar Mergenthaler in Eschweiler

Plaque memoralizing Mergenthaler

Mural over the alter showing Mergenthaler (on right without beard)

Window memorializing the US and Mergenthaler

Luxembourg

On our way out of Vianden, I insisted that we stop to take some pics. There is the chateau overlooking the village and a view of the lower town. Our hotel was down below.

Chateau over Viandon, Luxembourg

Vianden, Luxembourg

Our lunch was picked up in a grocery store in Wiltz, Luxembourg. Notice the mustard in a tube and Moselle wine from Luxembourg. The sausage is Ardennes.

Luxembourg picnic

Make due on a bench, Wiltz, Luxembourg

I couldn't understand this memorial which had no English. Only after visiting the museum in Bastogne, did I realize how difficult it was in Wiltz under the occupation. Two school teachers, several civil servants and quite a few men were executed in 1944. Many were deported for work in Germany. Wiltz was in the thick of the Battle of the Bulge when the Germans were attempting to retake Belgium.

Monument in Wiltz, Luxembourg

The next two pictures were typical of the driving through the country side.

Direction Signs while Driving

Canopy of Trees

Frankfurt, Germany to Vianden, Luxembourg

After a stop for breakfast and showers at the Lufthansa Welcome Lounge, we picked up our three door Ford Fiesta, now packed with our luggage. F took the navigator's seat. 

We made our way through the traffic, eventually settling on a trek along the west bank of the Rhine. Every twist and turn lead to wonderful views of villages on the banks and castles guarding from above.

Lots of cruisers go by the section of the Rhine by Lorelei.

In Koblenz, we got out to walk toward Deutsches Eck, where the Moselle flows into the Rhine.

My picture by the Josef Goerres statue. I haven't read up on the philosopher, but the statue with woman and eagle was powerful.

We had to stop for ice cream and coffee to fortify ourselves. Remember this is the first day after flying overnight. It is the longest day of your life and you mustn't fall asleep. 

At the point is a huge statue of Kaiser Wilhelm. All the flags of the state of Germany are flying.

I'm not sure how this will look. The Moselle is flowing from left into the Rhine, downstream upper right.

And here the Rhine is flowing lower right toward the top.

The park is quite extensive. It includes three sections of the old Berlin Wall. Can someone help me with the translation?

After Koblenz, we drove up the Moselle. It was lovely.

We stopped for a bit of dinner in Cochem. Many tourists gather to hear the bells toll. 

After dinner we headed overland to Vianden, Luxembourg.

Packed car

Almost ready. Leaving Vianden, Luxembourg.