A TRUE AMERICAN HERO

Dick Winters, the former World War II commander whose war story was told in the book and miniseries “Band of Brothers,” has died. He led a quiet life on his Fredericksburg farm and in his Hershey home until the book and miniseries “Band of Brothers” threw him into the international spotlight.

Since then, the former World War II commander of Easy Company had received hundreds of requests for interviews and appearances all over the world.

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General McAuliffe's Christmas Message in Bastogne 1944

Headquarters 101st Airborne Division
Office of the Division Commander

24 December 1944

What's Merry about all this, you ask? We're fighting - it's cold - we aren't home. All true but what has the proud Eagle Division accomplished with its worthy comrades of the 10th Armored Division, the 705th Tank Destroyer Battalion and all the rest? just this: We have stopped cold everything that has been thrown at us from the North, East, South and West. We have identifications from four German Panzer Divisions, two German Infantry Divisions and one German Parachute Division. These units, spearheading the last desperate German lunge, were headed straight west for key points when the Eagle Division was hurriedly ordered to stem the advance. How effectively this was done will be written in history; not alone in our Division's glorious history but in World history. The Germans actually did surround us. their radios blared our doom. Their Commander demanded our surrender in the following impudent arrogance.

December 22nd 1944
To the U. S. A. Commander of the encircled town of Bastogne.

The fortune of war is changing. This time the U. S. A. forces in and near Bastogne have been encircled by strong German armored units. More German armored units have crossed the river Ourthe near Ortheuville, have taken Marche and reached St. Hubert by passing through Hombres Sibret-Tillet. Libramont is in German hands.

There is only one possibility to save the encircled U. S. A. Troops from total annihilation: that is the honorable surrender of the encircled town. In order to think it over a term of two hours will be granted beginning with the presentation of this note.

If this proposal should be rejected one German Artillery Corps and six heavy A. A. Battalions are ready to annihilate the U. S. A. Troops in and near Bastogne. The order for firing will be given immediately after this two hours term.

All the serious civilian losses caused by this Artillery fire would not correspond with the well known American humanity.

The German Commander

The German Commander received the following reply:

22 December 1944
To the German Commander:

NUTS!

The American Commander

Allied Troops are counterattacking in force. We continue to hold Bastogne. By holding Bastogne we assure the success of the Allied Armies. We know that our Division Commander, General Taylor, will say: Well Done!

We are giving our country and our loved ones at home a worthy Christmas present and being privileged to take part in this gallant feat of arms are truly making for ourselves a Merry Christmas.

A. C. McAuliffe

It's 65th Anniversay weekend in Bastogne for Battle of the Bulge

We're hitting the road in a few minutes and I'll get some pictures up on this when I get back, but here is a schedule of events for the weekend for you local readers. Doesn't sound like his highness Obama is going to jet over from Copenhagen to apologize for our boys holding back the Germans....that should make life easier for everybody.

I will make the stop for the chocolate moelleux at the Au Coin Fleuri on Chaussée de Houffalize though.

Dec. 12


8 a.m.
32nd Historical Walk, with marches of 8, 12, 16 or 23 kilometers starting in Bastogne.

2:30 p.m.
Parade through Bastogne with commemorative ceremony including a wreath laying at Gen. Patton’s Monument and McAuliffe Square. The event will feature U.S. and Belgian World War II veterans.

4 p.m.
Traditional "Walnut Festival" with throwing of walnuts from the balcony of the Town Hall into the crowd by the mayor of Bastogne and dignitaries.

6 p.m.
Sound & Light historical re-enactment show at Vaux sur Sûre, Belgium, approximately 15 kilometers from Bastogne.

8 p.m.
Historical re-enactment show at Bastogne.

8 p.m.:
Memorial ceremony at the nearby Mardasson Memorial honoring the memory of more than 75,000 U.S. Soldiers killed or wounded during the Battle of the Bulge.

Dec. 13

11 a.m.
Paratrooper drop at the Mardasson Memorial

2:30 p.m.
Military vintage vehicle convoy through Bastogne.

Belgian boy saluting Canadian Troops

I guess their is some hope for civilization after all! A pat on the back to whomever this kids parents are. If you get out of Brussels, especially anywhere near Bastogne you'll find a great deal of respect from Belgians who value their liberty....you tend to do that when you know whats it like to have it taken away.
From the Knokke-Heist march.