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Special events and ceremonies 2001 |
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Belgian-Luxembourg cooperation in the "Battle of
the Bulge" museums’- and studies’ areas
AMBA
Association Belgo-Luxembourgeoise des
Musées de la Bataille des Ardennes
Belgian-Luxembourg Battle of
the Bulge Museums Association
version françaiseUnder the original denomination « Association Belgo-Luxembourgeoise
des Musées de la Bataille des Ardennes (AMBA) » (in
English : » Belgian-Luxembourg Battle of the Bulge Museums
Association »), the idea of a new alliance of trans-border
cooperation was born shortly.
Thanks to the initial impulse of Mr. Guy Blockmans, key executive of « l’OPT
Wallonie-Bruxelles » (Belgian regional tourist promotion office) and on
the initiative of the « Bastogne Historical Center » and the City
of Bastogne tourist office, represented by its President, Mr. Olivier Delmée,
as well as by the « Musée de la Bataille des Ardennes de La Roche » (
Mr. Gilles Bouillon) and the National Museum of Military History in Diekirch,
Luxembourg (Mr. Roland Gaul), a first foundation meeting towards the creation
of this specific association, was recently held in Bastogne, Belgium.
In a first step, AMBA will comprise all the museums focusing
on the « Battle of the Bulge 44-45 » in both Belgium and the Grand
Duchy of Luxembourg, as well as the topical study circles, associations dealing
with the welcoming of veterans and the tourist promotion organizations of both
countries.
The key objective of the association is the cooperation and mutual
assistance of the Belgian and Luxembourg museums and the pre-mentioned
connected organizations. More specifically, the museums will closely
work together in the future on a purely « museum » level (exchange
of artifacts, expertise, archives, etc), just as on a promotional level
(joint pamphlets, - brochures, -Internet website(s), - tour guides, - historical
circuits, - museum passports ; etc) and also on the issue of marketing (« tourist
packages ») and cooperation with specialized tour operators. A further
sector of mutual cooperation will consist of the joint and coordinated
constitution of events’ agendas, commemorative ceremonies, etc.
By closely working together with key associations such as CRIBA/Belgium
(Center of Research and Information on the Battle of the Bulge), CEBA/Luxembourg
(Circle of Studies on the Battle of the Bulge), the « U.S. Veterans
Friends », the military cemeteries in the Ardennes and in Luxembourg,
as well as the tourist promotion organizations such as the « OPT
Bruxelles-Wallonie » in Belgium and the « Office National du
Tourisme (ONT) » in Luxembourg, the new association will also
dedicate its efforts in a latter step to prepare the 60th anniversary
of the Battle of the Bulge in 2004 and to ensure the continuation of the
remembrance of that important event way beyond.
Within the frame of the European- and transatlantic collective memory and
in the context of reconciliation of formerly-opposed nations, AMBA intends
to closely cooperate in the future with the American-, British-, and German
Embassies, as well as with other key associations and thematic museums of those
three countries.
The executive board of directors of AMBA is composed by the officers
of the following museums and organizations :
For Belgium :
For Luxembourg :
AMBA (final bylaws will be signed on December 22, 2001) is
based in Bastogne and is currently headed by Mr. Roland Gaul ,President, curator
of the National Museum of Military History in Diekirch/Luxembourg, assisted
by assisted by Mr. Gilles Bouillon (Bataille des Ardennes Museum ;La Roche) and
Mr.Victor Schreiner (Wiltz Battle of the Bulge Museum), as Vice-Presidents.
General coordination and the secretariat have been entrusted with Mr. Robert
Clam, assisted by Mrs.Véronique Huet, both of the Bastogne Historical
Center
The current permanent address of AMBA’s secretariat is : « Bastogne
Historical Center » ; c/o. AMBA. ; Colline du Mardasson ;
B-6600 Bastogne ; Tel : (+32)-61-211 413 ; Fax : (+32)-61-217
373 ; email : bhc@swing.be .
Alternatively, the AMBA’s coordinator general, Mr. Robert Clam, can
be reached by fax at: (+32)-61-218 564 or email at: robert.clam@skynet.be .
AMBA’s logo ( see above), designed by Yves Claude, board member
of AMBA and delegate of the 385th Bomb Group Museum; Perlé/Luxembourg
has as a symbolic icon a stylized evergreen fir tree, typical for the Belgian
and Luxembourg Ardennes. The "white" letter "A" on the
left stands for the snow and cold of winter 44/45, the "red" in
the lettering for all the blood that was spilled during the Battle of the
Bulge.
High-ranking Federal German Republic award for museum curator
Roland Gaul
On December 14, 2001, German Ambassador to Luxembourg, H.E. Mr. Horst Pakowski
presented the "Bundesverdienstkreuz am Bande" (Cross of merit of
the Federal Republic of Germany with ribbon) to the founder and curator of
the National Museum of Military History (NMMH) as awarded on behalf of the
President of the "Bundesrepublik".
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German Ambassador to Luxembourg,
H.E. Mr. Horst Pakowski (right) and museum curator Roland Gaul just
after the official award ceremony.
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This high-ranking German decoration is in recognition of Roland Gaul’s
initial idea of a balanced, impartial, objective and factual concept of the
museum recalling the fact that there was also suffering and tragedy on the
German side during the "Battle of the Bulge". Another key factor
was Gaul’s tireless and unwaned efforts in keeping close contact with
German veterans who fought in the greater Diekirch area during the winter of
1944/45 to capture their impressions and to bring them together with American
veterans and Luxembourg civilians in the general spirit of reconciliation.
Roland Gaul sees this very special honor as an official German recognition
for the all the volunteers, who since 1982 have assisted him -- and still do
in implementing the ongoing project of a truly factual museum to recall the
sacrifices and tragedy of all parts involved during the "Battle of the
Ardennes".
The award ceremony, attended by numerous Luxembourg, German and American civilian
and military dignitaries and veterans, as well as by staff, volunteers and
supporters of the NMMH, was concluded with a reception at the museum offered
by Ambassador Pakowski.
The following is an excerpt from Ambassador Pakowski’s "laudatio" address:
" ..... It is a special honor and pleasure to present
you today the "Verdienstkreuz am Bande des Verdienstordens der Bundesrepublik
Deutschland", awarded by our President, Mr. Johannes Rau.
....... It is your intention to jointly digest this
dark chapter of our common history by means of the museum.
....... you intend to bring together the visitors of
the museum - not jut those from both our nations - , but from many people.
....... And the most important: your message is not the glorification of
war, but the documentation of its nonsense and cruelty.
....... you have created (together with your associates)
a token of reconciliation between Germans and Luxembourgers. The museum has
meanwhile found a firm place in the Luxembourg museum landscape. The recent
visit by H.R.H., Grand Duke Henri, as well as the growing number of visitors
from abroad and nearby, are true signs of recognition for your and your colleagues’ accomplishments.
........ you have acquired outstanding merits for the
deepening of German-Luxembourg friendship. In recognition thereof, I would
like to present you with the "Verdienstkreuz am Bande des Verdienstordens
der Bundserepublik Deutschland".
In his return remarks, Roland Gaul noted:
" ..... Today’s recognition and honor are
a proof that our objective and philosophy in regard to the ongoing museum
development in the context of the objective documentation of history, of
reconciliation and the promotion of international friendship by jointly remembering
a common past, are on the right track".
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Roland Gaul and Roland Rach from
the museum staff together with German veteran Mr. Albert Summerer and
Lt. Col. Thomas Schaidhammer, U.S. Army and Mrs. Sally Schaidhammer
during the reception at the museum.
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Royal visit
On November 6, 2001, His Royal Highness, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg officially
visited the museum’s recent exhibits (renovated vehicle hall and Luxembourg
army section).
As the Crown Prince of Luxembourg, Grand Duke Henri had already privately
visited the museum in its early stage in 1987.
Welcomed by the Mayor of Diekirch, Mr. Jean-Claude Haagen, by the Minister
of Defense, Mr. Charles Goerens, the Commander of the Luxembourg army, Colonel
Guy Lenz, and museum curator Roland Gaul, the Grand Duke was given a two-hour
detailed tour of the museum’s key dioramas and thematic exhibits that
had been created in the past by the museum’s volunteer working team.
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Grand Duke Henri (left) and Col.
Guy Lenz listening to explanations by museum curator Roland Gaul.
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As an interested visitor, the Grand Duke was very impressed by the balanced
and objective presentation of the « Battle of the Bulge » section,
explained by Roland Gaul and had high praise for the Luxembourg army section,
which was introduced and commented by Col. Lenz and Adj-Ch. Roland Rach. Several
Luxembourg veterans, who as allied soldiers had fought as members of the « Brigade
Piron » during WWII, were also introduced to the Grand Duke.
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His Royal Highness is given a
presentation on the history of the Luxembourg army by Adj.Ch. Roland
Rach, curator of the « Luxembourg army section » of the museum.
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They familiarized him with a future project to create an additional large-scale
diorama of their former unit on the initiative of the museum within the projected
extension.
Before leaving, His Royal Highness signed the museum’s golden visitors’ logbook
and was presented with a gift of appreciation on behalf of the museum’s
volunteers.
The Grand-Duke’s visit was a very special honor and true highlight for
the museum, which in 2004, will celebrate the 20th anniversary of
its existence.
Honoring the September 11, 2001 victims
Shocked by the unsurpassed brutality and cowardice of the September 11 attack
on the United States, the National Museum of Military History extends its deep-felt
sympathy to the families of the victims and to the American people.
In a letter addressed to the American Embassy, curator Roland Gaul expressed
his feelings on behalf of the volunteer staff and the Luxembourg people, as
follows :
« September is usually a time,
where grateful Luxembourgers pause and reflect on the liberation of Luxembourg
by American forces in 1944 and demonstrate their gratitude through commemorative
ceremonies and special tributes to the United States. (NB : Luxembourg
was liberated on September 9-13, 1944 by units of the 5th U.S.
Armored Division and elements of the 28th U.S. Infantry Division).
This year’s September 11 is
a day of tragedy and worldwide indignation, when terrorism targeted the
United States, its people and democratic values in an act of unparalleled
brutality.
On behalf of the museum volunteer
staff and my fellow citizens, I would like to express to all Americans
our sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy for the victims of the September
11, 2001 tragedy. We sincerely hope that the faceless authors of this unsurpassed
cowardly act of terror, will be tracked down soon and brought to justice.
We Luxembourgers, just as the entire
free world, were deeply shocked. We owe so much to America and its great
people. It is especially in September that we Luxembourgers remember the
American liberation of Luxembourg in 1944.
I am glad to see that there are
so many spontaneous acts of solidarity for the United States and support
initiatives for the families of the victims developing in Luxembourg ».
In honor of the September 11 victims, the museum had its outside flags lowered
to half mast during the period of mourning, but continued to have a half-raised
American flag displayed next to the dioarama showing a U.S. soldier’s
grave who fell for Luxembourg in 1944.
Lest we forget ! God bless America !
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U.S. flag at half mast displayed
next to « fallen U.S. hero grave » diorama as the museum’s
active contribution to mourning and remembering the September 11, 2001
victims of terrorism against the United States.
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Remembering the « Bulge » in 2001
December is usually the month where American, British and German WWII veterans,
as well as senior Belgian and Luxembourg citizens reflect on those dark and
cold winter 44/45 weeks, when the German surprise attack, known as the "Battle
of the Bulge", took place in the Ardennes.
The remembrance of that major single-handed battle on the Western front, is
still very vivid today almost 60 years later, as demonstrated by numerous commemorative
ceremonies, special events, visits of veterans, church services and temporary
exhibits.
This year’s December16 marked the 57th anniversary of the
beginning of the "Bulge." Although 57 (years) may appear as an odd
figure to hold an anniversary event, a series of events throughout Luxembourg,
organized by various local associations and key institutions, were held to
nurture public awareness.
As every year, the National Museum of Military History, has been actively
involved in the planning and implementation of events in this context. The
museum will continue to do so in the future on an individual basis, or , -
in light of the upcoming 60th anniversary (in 2004) - together with
all its partners of the recently-founded Belgian
Luxembourg Association of Museums of the Battle of the Bulge (AMBA).
All those commemorative events in observation of December 16, 1944, are a
superb token of the collective memory of the "Bulge" by both the
Belgian and Luxembourg people. Jointly they remember their American and British
liberators and their fallen comrades of 1944/45, but also reflect on the thousands
of German casualties.
Although perhaps not exhaustive, the following is a list of some of the events
that took place in Luxembourg during the December 15-16, 2001 time frame.
December 15:
Luxembourg-American Cemetery:
As has been the tradition since 1994 (50th anniversary), in the
afternoon on December 16, 2001, a strong delegation of retired officers of
the former "Grand-Ducal Guard - Officers’ Association" paid
floral tribute to the Luxembourg-American cemetery in Hamm, Luxembourg. During
the wreathlaying ceremony, which was also attended by Mr. Gerald Loftus, Chargé of
the American Embassy and COL. William Zekas, U.S. Defense Attaché, the
spokesman of the association highlighted the importance of remembering the
American liberators. The ceremony was enhanced by taps by a ceremonial bugler
and by melodies executed by the cemetery’s carillon.
Osweiler:
Osweiler is a small village in the vicinity of Echternach, where murderous
fighting took place during initial days of the "Bulge", where German
units of the 212th Volksgrenadierdivision penetrated the U.S. lines
defended by elements of the 4th Infantry division "Ivy Leaves".
On the initiative of Mr. Fred Karen, historian and co-founded of the National
Museum of Military History, a special memorial dedicated to all U.S. units
engaged around Osweiler, September 44 - February 45, had been inaugurated in
1982.
Fred Karen, who with a handful of volunteers from Osweiler, has been taking
care of the memorial for all those years, had also organized a December 15
evening event as a "night vigil". Headed by the mayor of Osweiler
and the city council, the inhabitants of the town and representatives of all
local associations gathered around the memorial and placed a wreath to honor
the fallen GIs defending the town in December 16, 1944.
Many school children and local youth illuminating the ceremony with torches,
had joined in and listened to the historical explanations by Fred Karen. This "living
history class" by an eyewitness (Fred Karen was 13 during the Bulge in
Osweiler), is a guarantee the awareness of the "Bulge" and the collective
memory, will continue to grow in the future.
The evening ceremony was concluded by a speech by the Mayor of Osweiler, also
remembering the September 11, 2001 victims and by a prayer by the local priest.
As customary, the official part was followed by a get-together at the community
center, where the senior inhabitants shared their December 44 experiences with
the younger ones.
Beaufort:
On December 16, 1994, the foundation stone of another tradition was laid in
Beaufort on the initiative of the "Former Grand-Ducal Guards Association" in
cooperation with the town of Beaufort. - the "Night Vigil". Supported
by the Luxembourg army and by the "Quadriga" U.S. military vehicle
collectors association, former officers, NCOs and soldiers of the "Grand-Ducal
Guards" (abolished in 1967) hold a symbolic watch in the woods around
Beaufort to guard the positions held in December 1944 by U.S. platoons of "B" company
of the 60th Armored Infantry Battalion, 9th U.S. Armored
Division. Night Vigil usually starts on December 15 in the afternoon and end
the subsequent day (December 16) around 10:00 with a wreathlaying at the U.S.
memorial, followed by a reception, offered by the Mayor.
By being up all night in the dark and cold, the former soldiers thus want
to be united in mind with the American GIs, who were manning their "fox
holes" and other defensive positions then, and who abruptly were awakened
in the wee morning hours on December 16, 1944, when surprised by German artillery
shelling followed by strong infantry attacks.
Since its first institution 1994 with the cooperation of the National Museum
of Military History, the Beaufort "Night Vigil" keeps on attracting
numerous other participants, who have an interest in history in an effort to
preserve this specific chapter and to ensure that the countless casualties
should never be forgotten.
December 16:
Hoscheid:
Taking over the tradition as the organizer from the National Museum of Military
History, the Luxembourg association "U.S. Veterans’ Friends" (over
600 members on a national level) in close cooperation with the small town of
Hoscheid, staged its own "night vigil" ceremony at the U.S. Memorial
(primarily dedicated to the 11th U.S. Infantry Regiment).
It was an early morning event - at 5:30 a.m. - to mark the exact timing, when
the first shells crashed into Hoscheid and on the positions held back then
by units of the 28th U.S. Infantry Division.
Almost the entire village population, including the Mayor and officials, welcomed
U.S. Chargé Mr. Gerald Loftus and Mrs. Loftus as guest of honor. After
a brief address by Mayor Léo Faber, it was up to Mr. Philippe Wagner,
local coordinator of U.S. Veterans friends, to give a presentation at the memorial
about the circumstances of December 1944 and highlighting the importance of
remembering. At the sounds of taps by bugler Edmond Faber and a "God bless
America" by the local choir, a wreath was placed on the memorial, illuminated
by a torch guard of the local volunteer fire brigade.
The singing of the two national anthems concluded the official part, which
in turn was followed by a torch parade through the village - led by an original
U.S. WWII Willys Jeep - to the community center for a joint breakfast, where
mementos were also exchanged.
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The star spangled banner during
a cold December 16, 2001 early morning ceremony in Hoscheid at the
U.S. memorial , remembering American sacrifices made here during the
initial onslaught of the "Bulge".
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(left to right): Mr. Philippe
Wagner (U.S. Veterans’ Friends), Mayor Léo Faber, U.S.
Chargé, Mr. Gerald Loftus, Mrs. Loftus, Mrs. Mariette Atten
(U.S. Veterans’ Friends) paying tribute to the Hoscheid American
memorial at 06:00 a.m. on December 16, 2001.
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Schumann’s Eck; National Liberation Memorial:
The annual commemorative ceremony at the impressive "National Liberation
Memorial" at "Schumann’s Eck" crossroad, organized by
the NLM committee, was scheduled for 09:30 a.m.
Located near Wiltz at the strategically- important intersection in direction
of Bastogne, the memorial in form of a shell-damaged Ardennes’ house
with several bronze plaques, had been erected in 1994 on the occasion of the
40th anniversary of the "Bulge". It was a joint effort
by CEBA / Clervaux "Bulge" Museum, National Museum of Military History
/ Diekirch; General Patton Memorial Museum / Ettelbruck, and Battle of the
Ardennes Museum / Wiltz. This effort is ongoing and representatives of the
4 associations continue taking care of the memorial, which will be enhanced,
soon by the creation of a "historical circuit".
NLM President, Mr. Pierre Brosien, gave a touching address remembering the
bloody fighting at sub-zero temperatures around "Schumann’s Eck" in
December 1944-January 1945, highlighting the importance of the message of sacrifice
being passed to the younger generations.
A joint wreath was then placed in front of the center plaque of the memorial
by the President, assisted by key officers of the four organizations. The ceremony
was attended by at least another 60 delegates from various other Luxembourg
patriotic organizations.
A number of U.S. WWII collectors were also attending with their superbely-preserved
Jeeps and Dodges to ensure the presence of historical vehicles, as used during
the "Bulge."
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Mr. Pierre Brosien, President
of the "National Liberation Memorial Association" addressing
the attendance of the December 16, 2001 commemorative ceremony at Schumann
crossroads.
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The central plaque of the National
Liberation Memorial with the wreath that was offered on December 16
to commemorate the 57th anniversary
of the "Bulge".
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Clervaux:
As customary for many years, CEBA (Circle of Study of the Battle of the Bulge)
held its own ceremony in front of the GI memorial in Cervaux around 11:00 a.m.
in presene of American and Luxembourg dignitaries, followed by a reception,
offered by the Mayor.
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The Clervaux GI memorial on December
16, 2001.
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Ouren/Weiswampach:
The final ceremony on December 16, 2001 - planned and organized by AMBA -
in cooperation with the 2 Luxembourg communities of Heinerscheid and Weiswampach,
as well as with the regional, tri-national association "Islek without
borders", took place at 3:30 p.m. at the three countries’ corner
(Luxembourg-Belgium-Germany) at Ouren on the banks of the Our river.
This was a multinational ceremony with American, Belgian, British, German
and Luxembourg officials - both civilian and military - participating. According
to its bottom line and objective, AMBA had made sure that the 5 nationalities,
who 57 years ago were all suffering during the "Bulge", would jointly
remember ALL VICTIMS, civilian and military of that conflict, during this special
ceremony, attended for the first time also by German officials.
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The five flags symbolize AMBA’s
key guideline: to remember all victims of the "Bulge"; the
American, British and German military casualties, as well as the Belgian
and Luxembourg civilians who lost their lives in December 44/January
45.
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The key message was to foster the collective memory and the spirit of reconciliation
over the war graves of all parts involved in the "Bulge" and to pass
it on to future generations.
This philosophy was highlighted in the address by Mayor Camille Eilenbecker
of Heinerscheid and in the formal speech by AMBA President Roland Gaul.
Accordingly, AMBA had invited children’s groups from the five nationalities,
who after the formal floral tribute at the "European Memorial" by
the American, Belgian, British, German and Luxembourg officials enhanced by
taps, offered flowers to the icy waters of the Our river.
Altogether, some 30 children stood on the wooded bridge spanning Belgium and
Luxembourg on one side with Germany on the other banks and silently dropped
flower petals from the bridge into the Our river, which in 1944/45 separated
the nations.
This was a powerful message intended to ensure the continuity of jointly remembering
among the future generations’ communities.
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Children of 5 nationalities offering
flowers to all victims of the "Bulge" to the icy waters of
the Our river from the bridge at Ouren at the Belgian-Luxembourg-German
border on December 16, 2001.
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The official part of the ceremony was closed with thoughtful remarks and a
prayer by Dean Roemen from Clervaux.
During the formal reception at the Weiswampach community center, hosted by
Mayor Henri Rinnen, reference was made to a planned memorial(2002) in honor
of a British air crew that died there, when their Lancaster bomber crashed
on Weiswampach community territory in 1943.
AMBA thanked all attendees of this first multinational "Remember the
Battle of the Ardennes" ceremony by presenting certificates of appreciation
stating that:
"By attending the December 16, 2001 (anniversary
date of the beginning of the 1944 offensive) multinational commemorative
ceremony in Ouren, you ensured that ALL VICTIMS of the Battle of the Bulge
44/45 will never be forgotten and that the message of reconciliation will
be passed on to future generations"
The following is the address given by AMBA President Roland Gaul on that same
occasion:
« Dear honored guests
We are here today, Belgians, Germans,
Luxembourgers to jointly remember with our American and British friends
in silence all the civilian and military victims who lost their lives in
this region, 57 years ago.
The present European memorial erected
by the first member countries, is a keystone of European post war history.
It stands for the fundamental idea of peaceful coexistence and cooperation.
60 years ago, however, Europe was shaken by war.
During the initial war years, the
Royal Airforce in the skies above often represented the only hope that
oppression and terror could not stand forever. Subsequently, it was the
United States, who - together with its allies - finally reestablished freedom
and peace.
For that reason, today, the 16th of
December - is a day of mutual remembrance of the beginning of the battle
of the Bulge, an event of fatal destiny for countless Belgian, German and
Luxembourg civilians of this region, as well as for thousands American,
British and German soldiers and flyers.
This peaceful region located in
the middle of a breathtaking transborder natural reserve, became hell on
December 16, 1944 at the beginning of the Battle of the Bulge and the Our
river valley became identical with suffering, destruction and death.
The 5 nations present today were
facing each other one against four. The terrible fights in the surrounding
woods and skies above the Ardennes at sub-zero temperatures called for
countless victims in vain. To remember them we have gathered today.
This small but dignified commemoration
at the three countries’corner at the banks of the Our river carries
a powerful symbolic token through the presence of representatives of 5
nationalities. It is by the way the first time that all nations who were
involved then are gathered today to jointly dedicate their thoughts in
silence to all victims in the context of mutual digestion of history and
reconciliation.
History is remembrance in itself.
But history can only serve as a lesson or a warning if it is taking into
account all parts in a balanced and impartial way. History must not be
misused to tear up scarred wounds, but must provide the facts in an objective
manner.
As a newly-founded Belgian-Luxembourg
Battle of the Bulge museum association, the delegates of AMBA have dedicated
to join efforts in the future to keep alive for future generations the
memory of a chapter of contemporary history that separated us in the past,
in an objective and impartial way. We will not only promote museum cooperation,
but we will ensure that our museums will represent a keystone to illustrate
the absurdity of way and violence.
It is our duty to pass on this message.
For that reason the organizers of today’s ceremony together with
the neighboring communities and the association « Islek without borders » thought
it a valuable cause to associate children of the 5 nationalities.
Children are the future. It is up
to us adults to refer them to the lessons of history and to pass on the
values of mutual respect, tolerance and dialogue. For that same reason,
ceremonies like this one are important. They provide a valuable stimulation
for discussions with their parents, their family members and teachers and
thus contribute to the promotion of those prementioned values.
On behalf of AMBA, I would like
to thank you all for attending. By your presence you ensure that all the
victims of that former tragedy will never be forgotten.
Our special thanks go to the high-ranking
guests of the 5 countries who have responded to our call to jointly remember
with the children the events of the past. I will not forget to highlight
the spontaneous cooperation of the communities of Heinerscheid and Weiswampach
as well as the transborder association « Islek without borders » to
the organizing of this small but meaningful ceremony.
Here in the three countries’ corner,
it was precisely those small communities on both sides of the Our river,
who in the aftermath rapidly normalized their relations again that had
become disrupted by war and who were the promoters of the spirit of reconciliation,
of neighborhood and friendship.
Finally, I would like to thank the
children. By their presence, they contributed that remembrance in the joint
spirit of transborder friendship, will continue.
Thank you all for being present
today. »
Official introduction of AMBA
Belgian-Luxembourg Association of Museums of the
Battle of the Ardennes
The newly-founded association AMBA had chosen the commemoration of the 57th anniversary
of the battle of Bastogne coinciding with the 25th anniversary of
the inauguration of the « Bastogne Historical Center » to out and
introduce itself to the public on December 22, 2001.
No better day could have been picked for this special and multi-faceted event,
as it was cold and snowing for most of day reminding the attendance and the
visitors of Bastogne of the climatic conditions experienced by American and
German soldiers, as well as by the civilians of Bastogne, 57 years ago.
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A large crowd attended the introduction
event of AMBA in front of the Bastogne Historical Center (BHC).
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The parking lot around the Bastogne Historical Center looked like a WWII U.S.
army camp, as numerous military vehicle collectors, reenactors and military
enthusiasts in original GI uniforms and equipment, were getting ready for the
afternoon parade through the main street of Bastogne and static display on « Square
McAuliffe »
Around 12:30, the dignitaries including the Lord Mayor of Bastogne, Mr. Philippe
Collard, Mrs. Brenda Schoonover, Chargé of the American Embassy in Brussels,
Col. William Zekas, U.S. Defense Attaché and the representatives of
numerous Belgian patriotic- and veteran organizations gathered at the famous "Mardasson" Memorial
for a joint wreathlaying ceremony enhanced by a U.S. Army Color Guard and the
Belgian Navy Cadets’ Band.
During this special ceremony to pay tribute to the American GIs who lost their
lives defending Bastogne, it was snowing profusely, which in turn added to
the event, reminding everyone present of the "white jungle" of December 1944.
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One of the many original WW II
U.S. Army vehicles that participated in the December 22, 2001 parade
through the main street of Bastogne..
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After the wreathlaying ceremony, the large size attendance gathered outside
the Bastogne Historical Center, where Mayor Collard and Olivier Delmée
of the Bastogne Tourist Board gave a speech in the context of the 25th anniversary
of the museum. It was then up to Mr. Roland Gaul, first President of AMBA to
officially introduce the newly-founded association to the attendance and to
outline its objectives. The following is a translation of the introductory
remarks made by the AMBA President:
" Dear honored guests:
I am especially pleased and honored
to represent the new association AMBA (Belgian-Luxembourg Association of
the Museums of the Battle of the Ardennes) on the occasion of this especially-elaborated
commemoration of the battle of Bastogne and at the same time the 25th anniversary
of the Bastogne Historical Center.
I would like to take this opportunity
to especially welcome our American friends, both the high-ranking officials
and the veterans to Bastogne to this particularly meaningful day of commemoration. Be
most heartily welcome!
Together with our American friends,
we have gathered today to remember those tragic events that took place
here 57 years ago in the Belgian and Luxembourg Ardennes and more precisely
in the surrounding areas of Bastogne, which was to become one of the hot
spots of the "Bulge."
We bow before the sacrifices made
by those brave young American soldiers and flyers, who together with their
British allies under the most adverse weather conditions, succeeded in
pushing back the enemy and restoring liberty and peace. We also remember
the terrible suffering experienced by the civilian population of the Ardennes’ villages
of both countries who became trapped in the crossfire and had to live through
a thousand nightmares waiting for the end of the battle in makeshift shelters.
The Battle of the Ardennes was -
as we all know - a key event in modern military history, uniting in the
collective memory those nationalities once implicated. On the German side,
the battle of the Ardennes, despite several limited initial successes,
mobilized and expended the last reserves and assets; on the American and
allied side, this "Battle of the Bulge" resulted in a decisive
victory in the West that was to contribute to the acceleration of final
victory in Europe and the fall of the third Reich. Besides the allied military
success, we should not forget, that - on the civilian side --, the "Bulge" also
meant tragedy and a question of existence.
For all those years during the war
aftermath, the survivors of that cruel battle: the soldiers who had become
veterans, as well as the civilians, had tried to digest, fade or forget
the nightmare that had marked their lives forever. Step by step, remembrance,
which in fact represents the memory of the past, took over. Remembering
is especially important, as it helps us not to turn away before history,
but keep alive the memory and draw the lessons of a painful past to pass
them on to future generations.
This collective memory of the Battle
of the Ardennes is painstakingly illustrated and kept in the museums, so
that future generations may become aware of the facts that took place in
our region in 1944/45. The museums, perhaps the high sites of the collective
memory that nowadays unites people, thus contribute to the mutual understanding
of nations formerly opposed. In other words, our museums on the Battle
of the Ardennes spread a powerful message of tolerance and mutual respect
to avoid the mistakes of the past. This is a philosophy or a signal that
is perhaps minimized or neglected by politicians, as our museums contribute
to the keeping alive of the past and to public education.
Bastogne, as a town that was especially
affected by the "Bulge", was amongst the first communities to
be aware of that particular message. As a site of suffering and sacrifice
known in the entire world, it was precisely in Bastogne that the first
encounters between American and German veterans, as well as civilians took
place in a spirit of reconciliation and in remembrance of the victims.
In addition, it was in Bastogne
that a local museum on the "Bulge"was created in the 60s, which
was later to become the "Bastogne Historical Center"of world
reputation attracting thousands of international visitors to come and get
a sense of the battle around that town, which became known all over the
world because of General Mc Auliffe’s famous "nuts".
In other words, the Bastogne Historical
Center greatly contributed to the international awareness of the dimension
of the Battle of the Ardennes and its consequences ad impacts on the community.
On the occasion of the 25th anniversary
of the Bastogne Historical Center, I would like to congratulate the initial
founder and the present executives for their initiative in memory of the
Battle of the Ardennes, in remembrance of the victims, as well as to pay
tribute to the U.S. Army. I would also like to thank the city of Bastogne,
its dynamic town administration and tourist board for their commitment
to keep alive the collective memory and for the promotion of the bonds
of friendship between Europe and the United States.
In other words, the Bastogne Historical
Center as well as the city and community of Bastogne fulfill an important
mission in the context of transatlantic relationship by focusing on common
history.
I wish that this dynamic synergy
continue and serve as a model to other international initiatives for the
promotion of comprehension, understanding, partnership and friendship among
people. Along that line, I would like to thank the Bastogne Historical
Center and its executive board for their initiative - together with the
Belgian Tourist Board to launch the idea of a transborder cooperation association
between Belgian and Luxembourg museums on the Battle of the Ardennes in
a spirit of mutual assistance and friendship by fostering the preservation
of a chapter of common history.
Initiated in August 2001 by the
Bastogne Historical Center together with the Museum of the Battle of the
Ardennes of La Roche, Belgium and the National Museum of Military History
in Diekirch, Luxembourg, this idea fell on fertile ground and rapidly the
museums of La Gleize, Elsenborn, St.Vith/Poteau for Belgium, as well as
the museums in Ettelbruck, Wiltz, Perlé and Clervaux for Luxembourg
and associations like CRIBA, CEBA and "U.S. Veterans Friends" joined. This
positive response by all parts concerned and united by the desire of cooperation,
resulted in the constitution of the present Association of the Museums
of the Battle of the Ardennes (AMBA) as a result of a first meeting on
September 17, 2001 in Bastogne.
As the original implies was generated
in Bastogne, it decided that AMBA’s seat would be in Bastogne.
As the first President of AMBA I
am particularly pleased to associate our new association to today’s
commemoration and festivities in Bastogne together with our veteran friends. No
other day could have been better suited to sign the bylaws of our association
and thus making it official.
In the future, AMBA and its members
will work together in a spirit of mutual assistance on several levels of
cooperation between Belgian and Luxembourg museums to preserve the collective
memory and to promote tourism in the Ardennes. Those are certainly two
very valuable aspects of AMBA’s key objectives.
In close cooperation with CRIBA,
CEBA, U.S. Veterans Friends, with OPT in Belgium and ONT in Luxembourg,
as well as with the regional tourist authorities and communities in the
Ardennes, AMBA will work towards the preparation of the events for the
60th anniversary of the "Bulge", which unfortunately for many
veterans, will be the last!
In the context of its activities,
AMBA will also ensure the balanced and factual representation of history
and maintain close contact with all the veterans in preparation of that
major anniversary date. It is precisely the veterans - as the ambassadors
of peace guided by the spirit of reconciliation amongst formerly-opposed
parties - who show us by drawing on their common painful experiences how
important it is to practice tolerance and respect.
In my capacity as the President
of AMBA, I would like to thank everyone for their goodwill and dynamism
in regard to the implementation of future projects and activities within
our association.
To conclude, I would also like to
express our thanks and appreciation to the organizers of this particularly
successful and meaningful day. On behalf of all our members, I greatly
appreciate that the organizers had provided their festivity frame of the
25th anniversary of the Bastogne Historical Center and the commemoration
of the battle of Bastogne to introduce AMBA.
I am convinced that in the future
AMBA and the community of Bastogne will complement each other in a joint
effort to preserve the collective memory of an event, which is the focus
of today’s commemoration.
Thank you to all those who in one
way or the other have contributed to the success of this very special day: the
city and community of Bastogne, the Bastogne Tourist board, the Bastogne
Historical Center, the American and Belgian armies, the cultural and patriotic
associations, the military vehicle- and reenactors clubs, the numerous
volunteers, the media representatives and all those that I may have unintentionally
forgotten to mention.
Thank you all for your attention. »
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Mr. Roland Gaul, President of
AMBA introducing the new Belgian-Luxembourg association and outlining
its philosophy and objectives.
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Following Mr. Gaul’s address, Mrs. Brenda Schoonover, U.S. Chargé,
assisted by Mayor Philippe Collard and Mr. Nico Loes, Member of the Luxembourg
Parliament then jointly unveiled the AMBA logo plaque, designed by AMBA board
member Mr. Yves Claude (Perlé 385th Bomb Group Museum), thus
officially "presenting" the new Belgian-Luxembourg association, which in the
future will join efforts to prepare the 2004 60th anniversary of the "Bulge".
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Mr. Olivier Delmée, President
of the Bastogne Historical Center (BHC) and the Bastogne Tourist Board,
during his remarks to celebrate the 25th anniversary
of the BHC.
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The officers and delegates of AMBA representing the Belgian and Luxembourg
museums as well as "Battle of the Bulge"-related associations then co-signed
the bylaws of AMBA inside the Bastogne Historical Center, as well as the museum’s "golden" visitors’ record
book.
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Roland Gaul and Roland Rach bringing
hot chow for the hungry and cold reenactors of the December 22, 2001
commemorative event in Bastogne.
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The ensuing WWII U.S. army vehicle- and reenactors’ parade from the
Bastogne Historical Center and the "Mardasson" through the main street to Mc
Auliffe Square, led by the Belgian Navy Cadets’ Band, was another key
event of this very special commemoration day, which was concluded by the tossing
of walnuts from the balcony of the "Nuts City" hall to the crowd and a reception
offered by Mayor Collard.
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