Gen. McAuliffe, commander of 101st airborne which included Easy Company.
When General McAuliffe was notified by two German offices in writing that they were here to accept the surrender of the US troops in and around Bastogne. Gen McAuliffe replied “Nuts”
Here is the link:
We arrived and met our guide Heri Migon. He is 91 and leaves near Bastogne. He was 9 years old and remembers the initial occupation of Bastogne by the Germans, the initial liberation and the Battle of the Bulge. His stories were truly amazing. I will do my best to impart some of his stories and comments here.
Sherman tank near the center of town
The plaque in front of the tank.
These post mark the USA movement at they advanced through Western Europe.
The other US military figure celebrated in Bastogne is General George Patton, commander of the 3rd Army. He lead 3rd army across France to relieve the airborne and secure Bastogne for the Allies.
General Patton is a complex figure in American Military history he famously had an Army Chaplin write a pray for fair weather. It is brilliantly recreated by George C. Scott in the movie Patton which everyone should watch.
Here is a link to the full prayer story:
We continued to follow Henri around Bastogne, completely immersed in his stories.
The grave site of the nurse killed on Christmas Day when a GI aid station was bombed
Another nurse from Bastogne who was killed during the siege. One thing that is cool is they seems to celebrate the bravery of these care givers as much as they do the bravery of the men who fought.
Old US barracks across from this cemetery
The final marker near the American Memorial In Bastogne.
Memorial at the Museum for Bastogne.
The American Memorial at Bastogne. It is under repair this time so that was disappointing. If viewed from above it is a 5-pointed star. Along the top are the names of all the states. Inside on 10 slabs in gold there is a description of the Battle of the Bulge and I believe the men who lost there lives here are listed within as well. It has some similarities to the WW II monument in DC.
Down the steps is the crypt.
Central mural and alter
Right mural and alter
Left mural and alter
The floor plaque. This place feels like and area for self reflection.
At the museum there were also randomly pieces of the Berlin Wall which had been painted by various artists. This is the largest of those pieces. David Bowie and Iggy Pop.
From the museum we traveled a short distance to the Memorial for Easy Company near the village of Foy. Easy Company’s exploits are documented in the book, Band of Brothers. They were tasked with taking Foy back from the Germans.
The monument to Easy Company
The right plate up close
A plaque on the side, the donors who made this possible.
Around Bastogne and Foy it is densely forested in areas like this. Can you imagine ammunition exploding around you within these trees? Can you imagine how hard it was to stay oriented as you ran from checkpoint to checkpoint?
An old foxhole on the edge of the forest looking across the field to Foy. Again standing on the edge thinking about trying to dig a foxhole in the woods, needing to cut out roots and the ground may or may not have been frozen. All the will you know that the better you dig it the safer you are.
Looking across the field down towards Foy. How did the men of Easy Company do it, ? That amount of heroism can still be felt in the air.
From her we did visit the German military cemetery
Small gray cross. Usually at least two soldiers buried in each grave. The Germans believed that no solider should be alone even on death. Many of these men were only 18 or 19. The rows are near but not perfectly aligned
Henri talking to the student at the German cemetery
Henri inside the the building near the memorial.
The alter inside the building at the German cemetery.
Henri told us several amazing stories. He described how when the Germans first occupied the region the soldiers were older more respectful and some were housed with them. He talked about the American GIs liberating the town and handing out candy and gum. He talked about how when the SS came for the Battle of the Bulge they were much crueler and disrespectful. He described how his family all had to slept together on the floor together as there farm was taken over. He discussed how his father was wounded by shrapnel to the chest. He managed to make it home, kiss his children and wife before he passed away. Heri talks about the second rescue by American forces and being taken into town. He discussed how 2 of his friends as a children died from a mishap playing with and around damaged battlefield equipment. It was a lot to take in and incredibly moving.
He did report that farmers were expected to contribute at least a portion of their herd, flock or harvest to the occupying German soldiers. He said every family had a pig named Adolf and never shed a tear upon slaying it for dinner.
Heri departed our bus back in to the world, but he left an indelible mark on anyone who listened to him.
After that we ate lunch and had a little time for a brief walk about.
Fountain in Bastogne.
The main drag of Bastogne.
The church in Bastogne. It plays the first 3 notes of The Star Spangled Banner every hour.
Stained glass in the church with emblems for the USA, the British and other incorporated within.
Inside the Church in Bastogne
World War I memorial near the church
Old city town of Bastogne.
We grabbed some a Belgium chocolates for the ride and began the 4-5 hour bus ride to Paris.
Fields in rural France.
Once we arrived in Paris it was off for a night cruise on The River Seine. Once at the hotel we took our bus to the Metro station then we took the Metro down near the Eiffel Tower. Each time we do it the kids get more comfortable with moving within a foreign city
The girls riding the Metro in Paris
We were able to grab a quick bite and a beer 🍺.
The girls in Paris
Katie and I. Where am I looking? Uggghhh
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower at night
From The River Seine
Norte Dame from the River
One last shot of the Eiffel Tower.
Vans rides back to the hotel and bed. What a day!!!
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