September 11, 2019: The Long Ride To Munich!
Above: Tim meets with the US Ambassador to Luxembourg
Mostly a travel day where we said goodbye to our 4-night stay in Bastogne and to Belgium. I cannot say enough about the Belgium people and the honor they showed to our WWII veterans. At every turn, a greeting, a hug, a smile, a look of wonder, of thanks. Each veteran wore his WWII cap and a jacket that showed his unit and service medals so they were easy to spot. This was a trip that could not have risen to a level of recognition without the advance arrangements of Forever Young Veterans; but would not have been as overwhelmingly special without the wonderful extemporaneous outpouring from the Belgiums. We will miss their incredible hospitality.
By 8 am we were on the bus. First stop: Luxembourg City and the Luxembourg American Memorial Cemetery. This is where thousands of American soldiers are interred, including General George Patton. A solemn and peaceful and beautiful setting. But today, these 14 veterans were honored in several ways. They were greeted by the chief officer of the memorial, the US Ambassador to Luxembourg and ranking representatives from the Luxembourg Veterans Friends Assembly. A silver medal of honor was presented to Tim Kiniry and each of the other 13 veterans along with a certificate of commendation. The Ambassador presented each veteran soldier with a magnificent special coin from from office of the US Embassy. Such a coin can only be issued by the Ambassador from the country in which he serves. It was an extraordinary honor.
On behalf of his fellow veterans, Tim laid a wreath in honor of their fallen comrades in the cemetery while the Star Spangled Banner and the Luxembourg were played as a salute.
We found Luxembourg to be as warm and honorific as the Belgiums. Who from the states would know this without being here to experience it. Indeed it would be something for all Americans to see, as these countries are unwavering supporters of America and with rooftop calls acknowledging the sacrifice it took to liberate them.
On the long ride, Tim opened all the letters you have sent him. He was stunned when he realized how many people knew of his trip and took the time to write. Letter after letter he read, recognizing every one. Was definitely bus trip of tears for me. Wish you all could have been there!
The rest of the day was 9 hour, 370 mile bus travel to Munich. Arrived at about 7:30pm. Tomorrow - Dachau!
Mostly a travel day where we said goodbye to our 4-night stay in Bastogne and to Belgium. I cannot say enough about the Belgium people and the honor they showed to our WWII veterans. At every turn, a greeting, a hug, a smile, a look of wonder, of thanks. Each veteran wore his WWII cap and a jacket that showed his unit and service medals so they were easy to spot. This was a trip that could not have risen to a level of recognition without the advance arrangements of Forever Young Veterans; but would not have been as overwhelmingly special without the wonderful extemporaneous outpouring from the Belgiums. We will miss their incredible hospitality.
By 8 am we were on the bus. First stop: Luxembourg City and the Luxembourg American Memorial Cemetery. This is where thousands of American soldiers are interred, including General George Patton. A solemn and peaceful and beautiful setting. But today, these 14 veterans were honored in several ways. They were greeted by the chief officer of the memorial, the US Ambassador to Luxembourg and ranking representatives from the Luxembourg Veterans Friends Assembly. A silver medal of honor was presented to Tim Kiniry and each of the other 13 veterans along with a certificate of commendation. The Ambassador presented each veteran soldier with a magnificent special coin from from office of the US Embassy. Such a coin can only be issued by the Ambassador from the country in which he serves. It was an extraordinary honor.
On behalf of his fellow veterans, Tim laid a wreath in honor of their fallen comrades in the cemetery while the Star Spangled Banner and the Luxembourg were played as a salute.
We found Luxembourg to be as warm and honorific as the Belgiums. Who from the states would know this without being here to experience it. Indeed it would be something for all Americans to see, as these countries are unwavering supporters of America and with rooftop calls acknowledging the sacrifice it took to liberate them.
On the long ride, Tim opened all the letters you have sent him. He was stunned when he realized how many people knew of his trip and took the time to write. Letter after letter he read, recognizing every one. Was definitely bus trip of tears for me. Wish you all could have been there!
The rest of the day was 9 hour, 370 mile bus travel to Munich. Arrived at about 7:30pm. Tomorrow - Dachau!
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