WWII Battle of the Bulge

Today we moved from The Netherlands to Bastogne, Belgium where Dad was during the Battle of the Bulge. We had another great breakfast at our hotel in Arnhem before hitting the road. 

We drove to Margraten and visited the only cemetery in The Netherlands dedicated to US military personnel. It was a very impressive place maintained by the Dutch with strict rules. No pets, no laying or sitting in the grass, no food or drink allowed in the cemetery, and no disrespect.

In our experience here it is becoming very evident how appreciative the Dutch and Belgium countries are of the US for helping defeat Germany. More importantly they feel that if not for our part then Russia would have defeated Germany and the Iron Curtain would have included their countries. 

After leaving Margraten we headed to Bastogne and to the 101st Airborne Division Museum, only to discover it is closed on Mondays. So we decided to head to the Battle of the Bulge Mardasson Memorial and Museum. It was very good, very educational, and interesting. It included several video presentations that were well done and with 3D effect. It was also sad about what a terrible event it was as 65 million people lost their lives.  Even as much studying of WWII I have done, I have learned and seen so much more on this trip.  The daily life of a soldier in combat is worthy of the utmost respect. 

The museum has a spectacular monument dedicated to the US forces that helped to liberate their country. See the pictures below. 

We skipped lunch today with our travel but had another great supper on an outdoor patio. We then visited a memorial to General McCauliff who lead the 101st in Bastogne and was the one who told the Germans “Nuts!” when asked to surrender. 

Pictures from today.

The tower monument to the soldiers. There is a small chapel inside the tower. 

Thousands of graves.  This place is so well maintained. 

A Medal of Honor soldier. 

Proof we were there but they were not open. 

Terry by a Sherman Tank. 

The monument to US forces at Bastogne. 

That is Karen atop the memorial to the US forces at Bastogne. 

The 101st Airborne Division is deeply ingrained into Bastogne. 

And tomorrow we are headed to France and the Normandy area.

Bryan