September 9, 2019 Bastogne, Belgium
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 with his staff, and representatives from the US Embassy in Belgium. The thanks and deep appreciation that blanketed these veterans some 75 years on was deeply expressed over and over. Indeed, it was stunning! To remember a cause fought so long ago said so much about this city and this country. It continued to bring us all to the edge of tears.
The day wrapped up with a visit to the 'barracks and headquarters' where General McAuliffe issued his famous to a call for surrender. Belgium military support teams have preserved the barracks meticulously as they existed during the battle; and they have collected and displayed an enormous quantity of wartime articles and equipment. What a show!! That included refurbished tanks - American, British, Russian and German - tank destroyers, half tracks, amphibious vehicles, cargo trucks, artillery trucks and on and on. The Belgium people know that this battle saved their nation and they have preserved it for the education of future generations and to commemorate the sacrifice.
Tim Kiniry was a Superstar again today. He was interviewed by the US Embassy staff, and a Belgium radio team. He was brilliant - as before. Tourists and residents came up to meet the Tim and the other men, shaking their hands and thanking them for their service.
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 with his staff, and representatives from the US Embassy in Belgium. The thanks and deep appreciation that blanketed these veterans some 75 years on was deeply expressed over and over. Indeed, it was stunning! To remember a cause fought so long ago said so much about this city and this country. It continued to bring us all to the edge of tears.
The day wrapped up with a visit to the 'barracks and headquarters' where General McAuliffe issued his famous to a call for surrender. Belgium military support teams have preserved the barracks meticulously as they existed during the battle; and they have collected and displayed an enormous quantity of wartime articles and equipment. What a show!! That included refurbished tanks - American, British, Russian and German - tank destroyers, half tracks, amphibious vehicles, cargo trucks, artillery trucks and on and on. The Belgium people know that this battle saved their nation and they have preserved it for the education of future generations and to commemorate the sacrifice.
Tim Kiniry was a Superstar again today. He was interviewed by the US Embassy staff, and a Belgium radio team. He was brilliant - as before. Tourists and residents came up to meet the Tim and the other men, shaking their hands and thanking them for their service.
Another great day Timmy. Can't imagine your emotions. Albert Battelini
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible tribute to these soldiers. I had no idea it would be like this. 💜
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