Our journey today began with a fierce and rugged game of soccer. The MVP “best kicker” award went to Jacob Sperry of the 75th division. At St. Vith we commemorated losses of the 106th division in which one of our veterans, Walter Greve, participated. After the ceremony we ventured to city hall in St. Vith where we enjoyed hot tea and coffee while visiting with the Mayor and other dignitaries. Walter Greve’s division entered the lines east of St. Vith where they were not supplied with proper winter gear, food, they were running low on ammunition and entering the lines with little combat experience.
Once again it was amazing to see that the Belgian people were quick in welcoming us. If only people in the United States could catch a glimpse of the recognition and honor which these Europeans have displayed they would have a better understanding of the importance of giving the veterans such high respect.
We had a wonderful and rare opportunity to have French Belgians who were children during the war, join us on our quest to locate the small village of Nueunstein, Germany. By the looks on their faces, it was apparent tell awestruck they were by the display of patriotism displayed by American soldiers 65 years ago. We surprised Mr. Gray by making an unexpected visit to a place not on the map. Listening to him reminisce about his experience was a far greater reward than we could have imagined. As we walked off the bus Ed Gray of the 87thdivision took us back 65 years where they captured 150 prisoners of the 45th Volks Grenadier; in doing so the company sustained high casualties of 22 men killed in action. As he told his story it was as if we were back there with him.
After the visit at Nuenstein we took a beautiful journey south through many significant battlefields through Diekirch Luxembourg. While in Diekirch we toured the National Military Museum and there before our eyes we saw the largest display of WWII artifacts; everything from weaponry to machinery to camp equipment. It was interesting to see a flag displayed made by American women with red stripes cut from Nazi flags.
We ended the day with a tour of the battlefield of Wiltz where the 28th infantry regiment was the first to confront the advancing Germans of December 16, 1944. We stood 12 wide in a bomb crater dropped by the United States Air Corps. We also had the pleasure of visiting the American National Monument in Bastogne, Belgium which honors all 50 states and divisional units from the United States Army. Thoughts of revving tanks and soldiers with trench feet 65 years ago clouded our minds as we looked upon our valiant veterans. Our lives are being changed every day by walking hand in hand with these men and listening to their stories of war. We are not merely reading history books in a classroom rather we are trekking through the same woods these soldiers spilled blood to purchase our freedom.
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