August 25, 2019 Battle of the Bulge: Dec 16, 1944 – Jan 25, 1945 Beginning September 6, 2019 and lasting through September 14th, Andrew "Tim" Kiniry, along with 13 other World War II veterans of this fighting arena, will visit Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany to commemorate the explosive charge by the German Army making one last attempt to beat back the Allied Forces and the subsequent counter-attack that led to the end of the war in Europe. This blog will highlight Sergeant Kiniry's visit.
A crazy day to be sure. First to Sadzot to visit a memorial for a devastating mortar location. A very rural location. But while we were there a local farmer and his wife saw us and invited the entire bus to use their home to very rustic home for use of their bathroom. Continues to be absolutely amazing - the reverence/honor that this country shows these veterans. Blown away! Visited a crash site of a B24 (known as the Liberator) and a memorial to the five soldiers lost in that crash. From a hillside nearby in Dinet, Henri, our guide who was 9 at the time of the Bulge, was able to watch the Battle of the Bulge unfold in the fields and city below. Moved onto Ettelbruck, after lunch, in Luxembourg. Visited the home where one of our veterans was holed up before shelled and capture by the enemy. The vet has corresponded with this family for the last 75 years. Brought a flood of tears. Took some photos that I will post later but will leave you with just one short video clip t
Yet another incredible day! Images and memories of the war are everywhere here in Bastogne! After a 7 am breakfast we boarded a bus to visit the Mardasson War Memorial which commemorates the siege of Bastogne which occurred from December 20th to December 27th, 1944. Some 8,000 American soldiers were trapped in Bastogne and surrounded by German forces. When the Germans demanded a surrender, General Anthony McAuliffe famously answered "Nuts", otherwise interpreted as 'go to hell'!. The memorial highlights each state in the US and each military unit with stone carvings. Some 77,000 casualties were incurred during the battle. Nearby, the 101st Airborne, which made up the bulk of the forces in Bastogne, were honored with a hand carved stone eagle. By 11:30 am we were en route to the Office of the Mayor - Bastogne, where each man was presented with a medal commemorating their service at the Battle of the Bulge. The presentation was conducted by the Mayor along wit
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