Flanders Field American Cemetery

To honor the centennial anniversary of the First World War, CyArk partnered with the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) to document eight military cemetery chapels dedicated to the American armed forces throughout Europe. CyArk digitally documented the Flanders Field American Cemetery using techniques in laser scanning, photogrammetry, and aerial drone photography. CyArk's digital reconstruction of the Flanders Field Cemetery chapel and its surrounding landscape allows people who are unable to physically visit the site to experience the monument and remember the people who gave their lives for their country and the Allied cause on Belgium soil. Established in 1921 in the northwest region of Belgium, Flanders Field American Cemetery's name was inspired by a poem written by World War I veteran's poem. The second stanza of "In Flanders Fields" reads: "We are the Dead. Short days ago. We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow. Loved and were loved, and now we lie. In Flanders fields." Constructed in 1930, the cemetery's white limestone Chapel sits in the center the lush grass site surrounded by 368 plots. The white cross headstones mark the graves of American soldiers from the 91st, 37th, 27th, and 30th AEF Divisions who lost their lives in nearby battles. World War I resulted in the largest loss of life the world had experienced to date, and the cemetery and chapel reflect a cultural shift to memorialize the lives of each individual soldier following the war. Prominent French-born American architect and World War I veteran, Paul P. Cret designed the site's chapel. The cemetery and chapel survived the ravages of another world war just a decade after its construction, remaining an enduring reminder of the relationship between the United States and Belgium and the sacrifices people of both nations made together on the battlefields. External Project Link: https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/OQIypzAgu2E7Lg Additional Info Link: https://cyark.org/projects/flanders-field-american-cemetery