Sunday, December 15, 2024

80th Anniversary in Bastogne - 2024/12/14

Our son Ben is in the 101st Airborne Division of the US Army and was lucky enough to be invited to participate in the 80th anniversary ceremonies of the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium.  The Army flew him over, he flew his lovely bride over in order for them to attend and represent his unit together.

Here's the AP's overview....

In the museum...

Mrs. Cooper was able to leave home a day early and spend time exploring Brussels before Ben arrived in time for the official ceremonies.







 






"Nuts".....the American response to the Germans' demand to surrender.

10 comments:

  1. I was fortunate to visit that area a couple months ago... very moving... It's a shame today's American youth have no idea the cost to free a country

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    1. The costs have been high and sadly, easily overlooked....easily taken for granted. Let's find a way to call that a tribute.

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  2. So nice of Mrs. Cooper to randomly take some motorcycle pics. But why would she do THAT?

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    1. That very question will be posed to DIL once she recovers from jet lag.

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  3. Maybe she still had some film in her camera and decided to burn some up. (This comment circa 1970)

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  4. Was there as part of an OPD (officer's professional development) tour while on active duty back in in 1985....Ben and his wife are fortunate for this opportunity to experience where the 101st made their mark.

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    1. Ben was definitely humbled (and proud) to have been asked. They will be home in a few days for Christmas, we can't wait to learn more of their trip.

      Merry Christmas to you and family sir!

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    2. Merry Christmas to you and yours as well, Coop. Please relay my greetings to Ben, quite the man you raised!

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    3. Appreciate that Dom, thank you. Ben and Bri send their best Christmas wishes!

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