MARCH 13

Today was our day especially dedicated to the 761st Tank Battalion. We were able to explore the history of the battles that these brave men took part in, as well as learn about the individual histories of some of them, both during the war and outside of it. We started off the day after leaving the hotel by visiting an American cemetery in the French countryside, where we visited the gravesites of three men who died in the war, including Staff Sergeant Ruben Rivers.

Then we visited a museum focused on the 761st Tank Battalion, where we also had lunch. After that, we went to the village where some of the battles actually took place. Our guide was able to point out where specific events happened, and we also saw some old shrapnel from a tank. The mayor of the small village told us how one of the soldiers who was wounded in the battle near the village stayed in touch with the community until the day he died.

After our tour of the battlefield, we continued our journey and traveled to Belgium.

— Benjamin Wilson '26

Today was a day all about honor and remembrance. To start the day, we had the pleasure of accompanying Ms. Nunley to the Lorraine American Cemetery to visit the grave of Ruben Rivers, an incredible man who earned the Medal of Honor for his actions and sacrifices. We were accompanied by many wonderful people who came to support the ceremony, some of whom were heroes themselves. Ruben Rivers was Ms. Nunley’s great-great-uncle, and we got to witness her lay a beautiful wreath on his grave, as well as receive his dog tag necklace. It was a beautiful yet emotional moment, to say the least.

Ruben Rivers was an incredible man who showed tremendous courage and made the choice to risk his safety to move an obstacle off the road so his battalion’s tank could pass through and continue their mission. Without his actions, many lives could have been lost and the mission might have failed. For his bravery, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, which is the highest military honor imaginable. We were so lucky to learn about this man and many others who fought to liberate and protect so many people.

After visiting the Lorraine American Cemetery, we drove to a town called Morhange, where we were welcomed with a wonderful meal prepared by local officials. This lunch took place at a realistic battle site museum designed to look like a bunker. We were able to see many realistic items that were used during the war, including soldiers’ uniforms, bomb shells, and small toiletry items. We ate sandwiches, grapes, pretzels, and juice, and we talked with some wonderful people who were very friendly and happy to welcome us to their country and museum. After the meal, we walked outside to see several murals painted on the walls. While we were there, we took a photo to remember the moment.

Last but not least, we traveled to a small village where a beautiful ceremony was presented by the mayor in honor of Ruben Rivers. We visited the town hall and then went to see his plaque, where the locals held a meaningful ceremony. The students were then asked to sing the national anthem, which we did enthusiastically—although we probably sounded a little below mediocre. To finish our journey of honor and remembrance, we climbed a hill where the Germans once waited during the battle while our guide pointed out a blue bridge where the American tanks and troops were believed to have been. It was amazing to think that we climbed the same hill those soldiers did.

On our walk back down, we were greeted by three beautiful black horses and a cute little donkey following them around. It was a nice way to end our long, beautiful, and educational day. I think we speak for the whole group when we say this was one of our favorite days yet!

— Gaby Clement '26

Bea Branagh '28

First stop- American Cemetery Ruben Rivers' Grave