On a quiet drive on our way back to Germany, we passed through the French countryside and found ourselves at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery. It is the resting place of more than 14,000 U.S. soldiers who gave their lives during World War I. Nestled far from major cities, the cemetery was both isolated and serene, its location a reminder of the forgotten corners of history where bravery was spent.

Though remote, we weren’t alone. French families and fellow Americans were also paying their res...