SparrowHawk
Veteran
- Nov 30, 2009
- 7,824
- 2,707
Before you read my comments, Please watch the clip
The above clip shows the grateful citizens of Bastogne and their parade honoring those who fought and died for their liberation. All of the equipment you see was restored by the citizens. I had the opportunity to be there for the 60th Anniversary and you go to Bastogne around Christmas and as an American we are honored not by government but by the current residents who have never ever forgotten the sacrifice.
It's the most beautiful thing. Several hundred re-enacters in full uniform, all kinds of fully restored and operational equipment. Belgian and US flags in every store and not little one either. If the locals see you they will often ask "So did your Father fight here"? If you answer "Yes" be prepared to spend some time chatting with them as they tell you their families story and they helped our men. I met one veteran who was 80 who to this very day stays in the same farmhouse as he and the dozen men under his command. Difference now is the Granddaughter of the original host. He told me he spent Christmas Eve in the square signing autographs. This man was a Sgt who told me his primary goal was to keep his men warm and dry. He said "It happens every time I cross the square"
Funniest and most touching thing was I went into a beer cafe to buy some beers to take home and about 1/3 of the cooler was filled with Bud, Miller & Coors. I asked why and the Bar Man said "Oh, those we give to the American Soldiers who come back, aren't as many now because we used to fill it almost completely"
I mention the above because I wonder 65 years from now if the above adoration will fill the streets in the three countries above? Somehow I think not.
The above clip shows the grateful citizens of Bastogne and their parade honoring those who fought and died for their liberation. All of the equipment you see was restored by the citizens. I had the opportunity to be there for the 60th Anniversary and you go to Bastogne around Christmas and as an American we are honored not by government but by the current residents who have never ever forgotten the sacrifice.
It's the most beautiful thing. Several hundred re-enacters in full uniform, all kinds of fully restored and operational equipment. Belgian and US flags in every store and not little one either. If the locals see you they will often ask "So did your Father fight here"? If you answer "Yes" be prepared to spend some time chatting with them as they tell you their families story and they helped our men. I met one veteran who was 80 who to this very day stays in the same farmhouse as he and the dozen men under his command. Difference now is the Granddaughter of the original host. He told me he spent Christmas Eve in the square signing autographs. This man was a Sgt who told me his primary goal was to keep his men warm and dry. He said "It happens every time I cross the square"
Funniest and most touching thing was I went into a beer cafe to buy some beers to take home and about 1/3 of the cooler was filled with Bud, Miller & Coors. I asked why and the Bar Man said "Oh, those we give to the American Soldiers who come back, aren't as many now because we used to fill it almost completely"
I mention the above because I wonder 65 years from now if the above adoration will fill the streets in the three countries above? Somehow I think not.
