The Mardasson Memorial: Belgium's thank-you to the American soldier
On a hill just east of Bastogne stands a five-pointed star of stone engraved with the names of the American states. Belgians built it right after the war to say thank you.
Updated September 27, 2026 · By the info-lux newsroom, Bastogne
The Mardasson Memorial was dedicated on July 16, 1950. It was built by the Belgian-American Association to honor the American soldiers who fought in the Battle of the Bulge. It is shaped like a five-pointed star, and the frieze carries the names of the 48 states of 1944. The walls tell the story of the battle, and you can walk the roof terrace for the view. Below is a crypt with mosaics by Fernand Léger. Access is free, year-round, and the Bastogne War Museum is next door.
A memorial built by the people who had just been liberated
The war had barely ended when Belgian leaders decided to honor the U.S. Army on the soil of Bastogne. The Belgian-American Association, founded in 1945, led the project, and the memorial went up in about a year. It was dedicated on July 16, 1950. For Belgians it has two meanings: a tribute to American courage, and a symbol of the friendship between the two countries that grew out of that winter.
What you will see
The star and the 48 states
Each point of the star is about 100 feet (31 meters) long. The outer frieze carries the names of the 48 states that made up the Union in 1944. Visitors often look for their home state first. The inner walls tell the story of the battle in engraved text, and you can climb to the roof terrace to look out over the hills where the encirclement took place.
The crypt
Beneath the star, a crypt holds three altars for the soldiers' faiths: Protestant, Catholic and Jewish. The walls are covered with mosaics by the French artist Fernand Léger. It is a quiet place, often overlooked by visitors in a hurry. Take a few minutes there.
Tips for your visit
- Combine it with the Bastogne War Museum, on the same hilltop and sharing the same parking lot. Visit the museum first for context, then come up to the memorial.
- Allow 30 to 45 minutes, including the crypt and the roof.
- Commemorations take place here every December during the Nuts Weekend.
- Late afternoon light on the stone makes for the best photos.
Practical information
| Address | Colline du Mardasson, 6600 Bastogne (about 2 miles / 3 km east of downtown) |
|---|---|
| Admission | Free |
| Open | Year-round, daytime |
| Dedicated | July 16, 1950 |
| Parking | Free, shared with the Bastogne War Museum |
| GPS | 50.01102, 5.73893 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mardasson Memorial free?
Yes. The memorial and its crypt are free and open year-round during the day. Only the neighboring Bastogne War Museum charges admission.
Which states are on the Mardasson Memorial?
The 48 states that made up the United States in 1944 are engraved on the outer frieze of the star.
Who built the Mardasson Memorial?
The Belgian-American Association, founded in 1945, to thank the American soldiers of the Battle of the Bulge. It was dedicated on July 16, 1950.
Who made the mosaics in the crypt?
The French modernist artist Fernand Léger. The crypt has three altars, for Protestant, Catholic and Jewish soldiers.
Sources: Maison du Tourisme du Pays de Bastogne, VISITWallonia, Land of Memory, Wikipedia (Battle of the Bulge Monument). Opening hours and prices change: check the official website before your visit. Written in English by the info-lux newsroom, independent regional news media based in the Belgian province of Luxembourg.