60th anniversary after action report

Wrap-up coverage of the most important "National Museum of Military History" - hosted or co-sponsored commemorative - and other events in the greater Diekirch area

60th anniversary commemorative festivities of the two liberations of Diekirch September 1944 – January 1945

Aware of the importance of the nation-wide 60^th anniversary commemorations of the liberation of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg by American forces, the city and community of Diekirch took their share in organizing a series of high-impact events in close cooperation with a number of local co-sponsoring associations and neighboring communities.

It should be recalled that the town of Diekirch itself was liberated for the first time on September 11, 1944 (NINE ELEVEN, 1944 …), subsequently re-occupied by German forces on December 20, 1944 during the "Bulge" to be finally liberated for good by U.S. forces on January 1945.

As an impressive "National" commemoration day was held in the capital on September 10, 2004 to observe the 60^th anniversary of the liberation of the capital of Luxembourg and – on that same occasion - to honor those returning American- and allied veterans, who sixty years ago brought back freedom, the community of Diekirch decided to host its specific liberation festivities around "Thanksgiving Day "during the weekend of November 26-28, 2004 and thereafter.

Historically, this was in line with the 1944 "Thanksgiving Day" event(s), as units of the 109^th Regiment/28^th U.S. Infantry Division were then billeted in the greater Diekirch area after the terrible battle at Huertgen forest.

It was the Diekirch local organization committee’s intention to recreate the atmosphere experienced by thousands of GIs and local citizens in late November 1944, when news was going around that the war may be over by Christmas 1944. During that time – with foul weather conditions – numerous GIs, who were "off duty", were enjoying home hospitality and warm shelters offered by grateful Diekirch inhabitants, who were themselves "spoiled" with abundant GI rations.

Thanksgiving Day weekend 1944-2004

The official 60th anniversary poster or Diekirch “Lest we forget,” focused on Thanksgiving Day 1944 (Photo: 1944 by Tony Vaccaro – Photothèque VdL/Luxembourg).

To stage the event, the organizing committee, consisting of the City of Diekirch, the National Museum of Military History, the local tourist board (Syndicat d’Initiative) , the regional tourist office (ESIMSO), the American-Luxembourg Society, supported by the American Embassy and the Luxembourg army, had scheduled a diversified and balanced commemorative- and cultural program to ensure a high impact participation on the part of the regional community.

The museum’s team of volunteers preparing the “Thanksgiving Day” festivity hall taking a break with Diekirch beer, they just relabeled in 1944 style. (left to right are: Jeannot Schreiner, Romain Reinard, Lionel Ronck, Marc B. and Roland Rach).

The entire weekend was greatly enhanced by a delegation of 109^th Inf. Rgt. (28^th Inf. Div. veterans and families), organized by Linda Stockton, as well as by a sizeable representation of the current 28^th U.S. Infantry Division from Ft. Indiantown Gap/Pennsylvania, led by the Adjutant General, Maj-Gen. Jessica Wright and the Commanding General of the 28^th Infantry Division, Maj-Gen. Wesley Craig. The veterans themselves had all been in the greater Diekirch area in November 1944, where they had experienced "Thanksgiving Day 1944" with the traditional turkey dinner prior to the German December 16, 1944 surprise attack at the beginning of the "Bulge". The 2004 historical scene setting and framework were provided by the Dutch 28^th U.S. Infantry re-enactment group from Leuwarden, The Netherlands, headed by Mr. Jorrit Volkers, who had most generously offered to deploy with all their original WWII vintage vehicles and equipment to set up a unique "1944-style U.S. army camp" recreation.

As an official prelude to the main Nov 26-28, 2004 festivities, Linda Stockton, film producer and audiovisual historian of the 109^th Rgt., presented a unique documentary – shown for its first time to the public – in Diekirch on November 24, 1944 at the festivity hall of the Diekirch high-school in presence of the American Ambassador to Luxembourg, H.E. Peter Terpeluk. The documentary, entitled "my heroes and their ladies in waiting" portrayed in a lively way the WWII experiences of 109^th Inf. Rgt veterans, as well as their wives, fiancées (the ladies-in waiting) back home. In addition, the film also featured the "untold stories" of 3 three Diekirch ladies thru the occupation years as well as the two liberations.

Filmmaker Linda Stockton introducing her documentary “My heroes and their ladies in waiting“ at the festivity hall of the Diekirch high school on November 24, 2004.

The U.S. veterans featured in the documentary and present during the Nov 2004 festivities were: Maurice Schmidli; Edward Parks, Robert Meyer, Edward Hitchin, Harry Kemp, Albert Leone; Tom Meyers, and August Geyer.

U.S. veterans of the 3rd Bn/109th Rgt (28th Inf. Div), guests of the City of Diekirch, which they defended in December 1944: Harry Kemp, Edward Hitchin, Robert Meyer, Edward Parks, August Geyer, Maurice Schmidli, Albert Leone and their wives and families visiting graves of former buddies at the Luxembourg American cemetery.

In the context of reconciliation, the organizers were fortunate to also welcome the presence of Dr. Horst Hennig and Mr. Ulrich Jonath, two German veterans of the GR 914/352nd VGD, who as 18-year old soldiers, were participating in the 1944/1945 operations around Diekirch.

Roland Gaul, curator of the National Museum of Military history, flanked by German veterans of the battle around Diekirch, Ulli Jonath and Horst Hennig.

The documentary itself – a master piece by Linda Stockton – retraced in a detailed way the individual stories of the witnessing veterans from D-Day 1944 to VE-Day 1945 , as well as experiences of their American- and Luxembourg female counterparts.

On November 26, 2004, a photo exhibition retracing the two liberations of Diekirch was inaugurated on the gallery floor of the "Aal Seeërei" cultural center in presence of the city officials and numerous invited guests. The exhibit was commented by Mr. Jeannot Schreiner, who together with Yves Claude, René Feis and others had assembled dozens of large-size striking photos and also compiled a special commemorative brochure.

Jeannot Scheiner, welcoming Mr. Claude Haagen, Mayor of Diekirch on the occasion of the inauguration of the special 60th anniversary photo exhibit, he, Yves Claude and René Feis had put together.

At 8:00 p.m., the Luxembourg army band

The Luxembourg army band, conducted by Lt.Col André Reichling, at their inaugural concert on November 26, 2004.

under the direction of LtCol. André Reichling presented a striking musical tribute to the veterans and audience at the "Aal Seeërei" cultural Center of Diekirch, featuring numerous pieces of "the music of liberty" and popular American compositions of those unforgettable 1944/45 days!!

In the morning of November 27, 2004, the members of the Dutch 28^th Inf. re-enactment group were very busy setting up their 1944-style GI camp,

Ed Parks, Maurice Schmidli and Harry Kemp at their “former” 3rd Bn. HQ command post tent.

featuring dozens of original U.S. military vehicles, including a running M-18 "Hellcat" Tank Destroyer",

The impressive M-18 “Hellcat” Tank Destroyer, built in 1944 by “Buick”, shown here as a vehicle of he 602nd TD Bn 28th Infantry Division. Driver is Richard de Grave.

two 75 mm pack howitzers (that actually fired blank rounds)

Lex Schmit with his two “salute battery” 75 mm pack howitzers.

as well as a "striking" totally operational field kitchen. The latter one was to be the CENTER PIECE of the "Thanksgiving Day 1944 " re-enactment, as it was used to cater the traditional "turkey dinner" as a special demonstration for hundreds of visitors. The 30 members – all dressed in 1944 GI uniforms – were busy all day stuffing and preparing the turkeys for the evening dinner

Three female members of the 28th division re-enactment group preparing the turkeys.

This stuffed turkey is ready for the oven.

Filleting turkey with skilled hands.

. During that time the 6 Luxembourg WWII U.S. military vehicle collectors’ associations had organized a 60 – Km drive around Diekirch with multiple stops at various U.S. WWII memorials. Two Luxembourg army buses provided additional and "heated" seats for interested visitors to participate in the "memorial" tour and the various wreath-layings.

Hundreds of spectators visited the November 1944 camp and were thrilled with the recreations of "GI field life" staged by the Dutch re-enactment group. During that same time, Dr. Horst Rohde, historian from the Freiburg military history archive and MG. Wesley Craig, Commanding General of the 28^th Infantry Division gave two packing and lively presentations at the festivity hall of the Diekirch army barracks to recall the November 1944 – both from a German and American perspective. The two lectures topics were "Fighting on the Westwall" and the "Battle at Huertgen forest".

Major General Wesley Craig, Commander 28th US. Infantry Division, during his lecture on “Huertgen Forest” at Diekirch army barracks.

Around 6:00 p.m., the "memorial tour" convoy, consisting of some 80 WWII U.S. military vehicles returned to Diekirch for a final wreath-laying at the Diekirch liberation memorial.

The 109th Inf. Rgt veterans, Ed Parks, Maurice Schmidli, Harry Kemp, Albert Leone, Edward Hitchin, Robert Meyer, August Geyer, have just offered a wreath in honor of their fallen comrades at the Diekirch memorial.

The ceremony was attended by the 109^th Inf. Rgt. Veterans and their families, as well as the Mayor and town officials and dozens of attendees. The 28^th Infantry Division band, directed by WO1 Jeffery Jaworowski thereafter invited to a concert at the Diekirch high school, which was well attended by an enthusiastic audience.

The 28th US Infantry band, conducted by W.O.1 Jeff Jaworowski, in action.

Meanwhile the turkeys were cooking in the 1944-style field kitchen and also chef Armand Steinmetz and his 40 personnel – primarily Vietnamese students of the Diekirch National catering school –

Vietnamese exchange student of the Diekirch catering school greatly contributed to the success of the ”Thanksgiving” banquet.

were finalizing ultimate preparations for the 500 pre-registered guests

A total of 508 guests attended the special 60th anniversary “Thanksgiving” dinner, held at the Diekirch “Aal Seeërei” community center on November 27.

and participants of the traditional Thanksgiving dinner to take place in the superbly-decorated festivity hall . A key highlight for all attendees was the presentation of a special 60^th anniversary commemorative medallions (created by a Luxembourg artist for this occasion) to all American veterans present that evening. The medallion has the shape of a five-pointed American star with the superimposed coat of arms of Luxembourg cast in bronze and polished – it backside inscription reads: "A tribute to veterans" – 60^th anniversary of the liberation of Luxembourg 1944/45 – 2004/2005. The medallions on three-colored neck ribbons were awarded by Col. (ret) Guy Lenz and Roland Gaul, both members of the national 60^th anniversary committee. A very special honor was also bestowed on Col. (ret.) Harry Kemp, who on December 19, 1944 had issued an evacuation order in the best interests of the threatened town, when it was becoming obvious that the enemy was about to take Diekirch that night. For ensuring that the civilians were to make it back to safe areas, Col. (ret) Kemp – in presence of his family and grand-children was awarded the Luxembourg cross of merit, a high-ranking national decoration, as authorized by HRD, the Grand-Duke.

Col (ret) Harry M. Kemp has just been decorated with the Luxembourg “Cross of Merit” by President of Parliament, Mr. Lucien Weiler, for evacuating the civilian population of Diekirch on December 20 1944.

The cross of merit was presented to Col. (ret.) Kemp by Mr. Lucien Weiler, President of Parliament. In addition, Mayor Claude Haagen on behalf of the city council and the citizens, made Col. (ret.) Kemp a honorary citizen of Diekirch for his outstanding merits – 60 years ago. A standing ovation followed.

Seconds later the Dutch re-enactment group in full WWII GI style outfit – proudly showing the "Keystone" (28^th U.S. Infantry Division patch)

Jorrit Volkers, President of the 28th Inf. Div. re-enactment group from Leuwarden, The Netherlands, and a female member of his team bringing in the crisp “ceremonial” turkey.

entered in formation with two giant crisp turkeys, which were ceremonially carved by Col. (ret) Kemp, assisted by U.S. Ambassador Terpeluk, President of Parliament Weiler and Mayor Haagen.

The master carvers are: US. Ambassador Peter Terpeluk, Mayor Claude Haagen, President of Parliament Lucien Weiler, and Col (ret.) Harry Kemp.

The 28^th Infantry band, which had split up in smaller groups inside the festivity hall accompanied the traditional turkey carving ceremony by "Roll on 28^th and "the old grey mare" under the direction of WO1 Jeff. Jaworowski.

The 28th Infantry band honoring Col. (ret) Harry Kemp.

Finally about 500 guests set down for dinner to enjoyed the "Thanksgiving Dinner" together with the veterans and their families in a unique atmosphere and colorful environment decorated by American and Luxembourg flags, as well as countless pumpkins and seasonal accoutrements

One of the many seasonal decorations.

with musical entertainment provided by a 28^th division band combo taking turns with "Crunch the band," a local country and western ensemble.

Museum volunteer Chrescht Scholtes struggling with a turkey drumstick. The resemblance wit the official “poster” of the Nov 27, 2004 Thanksgiving event, is smashing !

On November 28, 2004, two additional concerts by the "Diekirch garrison band" and the Diekirch philharmonic band, each playing popular Luxembourg and American pieces concluded this unique "Thanksgiving Day 1944" celebration that will be remembered by all for long. Special thanks go to all the volunteers of the local organization committee coordinated by Roland Rach and Roland Gaul of the National Museum of Military History, as well as to the members of the Dutch reenactment group and the Luxembourg vehicle collectors’ associations, who all greatly contributed to the unique atmosphere of the event. During that same time, the 28^th U.S. Infantry band and color guard paid tribute to the "bazooka boogie" memorial at Noertrange near Wiltz dedicated to those 28^th division bandsmen who died in action defending Wiltz during the "Bulge".

The 28th Infantry band at Wiltz.

Buglar at the freshly unveiled “bazooka boogie” Memorial a Noertrange/Wiltz.

Adjutant General, Maj-Gen. Jessica Wright and the Commanding General of the 28^th Infantry Division, Maj-Gen. Wesley Craig also paid floral tribute to the Wiltz’ 28^th Infantry Division memorial, before the band offered a closing concert at the festivity hall of the local school

On December 5, 2004, the city of Wiltz (the Headquarters of the 28^th Infantry Division in December 1944) hosted another high-impact commemorative event – a reenactment of the December 1944 "Saint Nicholas" day. Hundreds of interested onlookers attended a parade, led by the USAREUR band, as former GI – Richard Brookins in St. Nicholas costume was driven into town in an original WWII jeep to distribute candies and other sweets to the cheering children.

Former GI, Richard Brookings, re-enacting St Nicholas in Wiltz … which he actually did on December 6, 1944.

This is exactly what he, as a member of the 28^th Signal company did on December 6, 1944, when the GIs in Wiltz found out about this old-fashioned local custom (there was no Santa in those days in Luxembourg!) and offered their supplementary chocolate rations and Christmas parcels as gifts for the children of Wiltz. Needless to say that this unique event was prominently covered by local and international media.

During the December 12-15 time frame, Mr. Marcel Scheidweiler, retired teacher and "Bulge"-historian conducted a very valuable educational project to ensure that the torch of remembrance will continue to shine.

Front cover of Marcel Scheidweiler’s cartoon in Luxembourg language telling local children about h two liberations of Luxembourg.

As the author of a cartoon in Luxembourgish language portraying the historical facts of World War II in Luxembourg (especially the "Bulge") and addressing 5^th and 6^th graders, Mr. Scheidweiler had recruited a number of American, German and Luxembourg war veterans and witnesses to address primary school terminal classes in the north of the country -- telling their personal story. This worthwhile program, supported by the American Embassy, AMBA and a number of Luxembourg communities, was meant to tell the pupils what happened 60 years ago in Luxembourg so that future generations will continue to remember the "Bulge" and the liberation of Luxembourg in 1944/45 by American forces. It was also a unique opportunity for the children to meet veterans who had reconciliated for long and ask questions.

On the occasion of the observation and commemoration of the "Bulge" in both Belgium and Luxembourg, a sizeable group of American veterans of the "Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge" association and their families had "redeployed" to the "Ardennes" to participate in a range of "national", "multinational/trans-border", regional and local events during the December 12-19 time frame. AMBA and VBOB has a complete run-down and coverage of the various events in greater details, with the most relevant ones (for the Diekirch area) reflected hereafter.

The VBOB group was later joined in Luxembourg by an important delegation of the U.S. Congress, headed by Speaker Dennis Hastert, himself of Luxembourg ancestry. More specifically during their "Luxembourg" segment of the program, the VBOB group visited the General Patton Memorial Museum in Ettelbruck as well as the National Museum of Military History in Diekirch on December 13, 2004 before a lunch was offered to the group by the Government of Luxembourg at the Diekirch community center.

Col (ret.) Guy Lenz of the 60th anniversary coordination and organization committee (COC-60) at lunch with Earle Hart, tour director of the VBOB veteran delegation.

The VBOB group then visited Vianden and Echternach, as well as the remains of a German "Westwall" bunker at Weilerbach, where the 5^th U.S. Infantry division crossed the Sûre river on February 7, 1945 in this sector.

On December 15, 2004, an elaborate ceremony was organized by CEBA at the Clervaux’ GI monument with wreathlayings, public addresses and full military honors provided by the U.S. Navy band and honor detachment from Naples/Italy.

The U.S. veterans of VBOB gathered around the Clervaux’ GI memorial during the December 15, 2004 commemorative ceremony.

The event was prominently attended by grateful Luxembourgers – young and old – as well as numerous local and regional mayors and politicians.

Thank you to the U.S. Navy band, color guard and honor detachment, who had come all the way from Italy to support the December 2004 ceremonies.

During the ensuing reception and lunch for all VBOB members and participants, all veterans were awarded the special 60^th anniversary commemorative medallion, including a Luxembourg veteran, who had fought with allied troops in 1944/45.

Dorothy Davis, former Lt. nurse and member of the VBOB board, was one of the many U.S. “Bulge” veterans to be decorated with the official Luxembourg 60th anniversary medallion by young Luxembourg soldiers.

A temporary exhibit of vehicles and WWII memorabilia, put up by a regional group of young enthusiasts, greatly enhanced the event. The remainder of the day was spent with a visit to Wiltz and its 28^th Infantry Division memorial. (photo) (photo)

That same afternoon, U.S. Speaker of the House, Dennis Hastert, accompanied by a delegation of the Congress visited the National Museum of Military History in Diekirch for a detailed tour.

US. Speaker Dennis Hastert (his ancestors came from Osweiler, Luxembourg) visited the Diekirch museum on December 15, 2004. He was welcomed by Roland Gaul and he volunteers Mayor of Diekirch, Claude Haagen, and U.S. Ambassador Peter Terpeluk.

This was indeed a great honor to have such a high-ranking U.S. official tour the exhibits before signing the "golden book" and participating in a small reception during which a number of gifts were also exchanged.

Speaker Dennis Hastert signed the “60th anniversary liberation of Diekirch” commemorative Helmet, presented to him, by Roland Rach, assistant curator.

A special evening mass in English, German and Luxembourgish at the parish church in Diekirch reminded everyone that -- 60 years ago, the "Bulge" was only hours away -- and was meant to pay silent tribute of all the victims. To wind up the day, two lectures by military historians were thereafter given at the Diekirch high school to recall the historical facts of the "Bulge". Whereas Dr. Dieter Ose of the German staff academy lectured on "decisions and preparations for the Dec 16, 1944 German surprise attack", Major General David Zabecki from USAREUR presented "the American reaction to the German surprise attack" highlighting the first three days of resistance and Gen. Patton’s Third Army counterattack.

MG. David Zabecki and Dr. Dieter Ose, the two lecturers on the “Bulge”.

December 16, 2004 – Night Vigil

An extensive unique commemoration entitled "Night Vigil" spanning the night of December 15 to 16, 2004 and continuing way into the morning of Dec 16 with numerous simultaneous events taking place in Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany was staged along a 130 Km long line by a range of communities, museums, historical societies and patriotic groups to recall "the Bulge".

The official AMBA “Night Vigil” logo for Dec 15-16, 2004 events.

A detailed description of "Night Vigil" can be viewed at www.amba.lu. The cities of Diekirch and neighboring Ettelbruck (as numerous other towns and communities) participated in the program with an early morning ceremony at 05:30 a.m. at the respective American memorials. Wreathlayings and addresses by the Mayors, were accompanied by torch-lit taps and military honors, as the attendance gathered around the memorials paid silent tribute to the victims of the Bulge. Thereafter about 150 participants had a joint breakfast at the Diekirch community center before moving on.

A similar event was staged at Hoesdorf at the memorial of the 109^th U.S. Infantry regiment by the city and tourist boards of Reisdorf , Bettendorf and Wallendorf/Germany in close cooperation with the Diekirch museum and the circle of former officers of the Grand-Ducal Guard.

The memorial at Hoesdorf dedicated to the 109th Inf Rgt, 28th Inf. Div seen at 05:30 am. on December 16, 2004.

Already in the afternoon of December 15 a visiting group of British re-enactors in both American- and German WWII uniforms were symbolically guarding the Hoesdorf plateau, where fierce fighting took place on Dec 16-18, 1944. They "occupied" the former dugouts to spend the night in the woods as their special way and contribution to "remember" and commemorate the "Bulge". Subzero temperatures, sow and an icy wind certainly "added" to the overall atmosphere of the dark night.

At 05:30 a.m., the church bells of Hoesdorf announced the exact time – 60 years later – of the German surprise attack.

At the U.S. memorial, a minute of silence was dedicated by about 250 attendees to the GIs, the civilians and the German soldiers, who on December 16, 1944 died on those first hours of the "Bulge". To the surprise of all participants, HRH, Crown Prince Guillaume, accompanied by his younger brother, Prince Félix of Luxembourg and the Marshall of the Court arrived to participate in the wreath-laying ceremony.

TTRRHH Crown Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg (2nd from. right) and his brother, Prince Félix, attended the early morning “Night Vigil” ceremony at Hoesdorf.

They came in a WWII American jeep, followed in turn by several jeeps with British re-enactors in full GI-style equipment. Two German veterans, Albert Summerer (352 VGD) and Theo Friedrich (5. FJD), who in December 1944 fought in the area, also participated in the event.

Speeches were made by Mayor Jean-Pierre Schiltz, Col (ret) Eugène Meunier and Roland Gaul, before Their Royal Highnesses Prince Guillaume and Félix assisted the offering of wreath, carried by Luxembourg army soldiers. The local choir sang the national anthems of the Unite States and Luxembourg before a torch parade proceeded in direction of the small village church for a brief service held by Luxembourg army chaplain, Lt.Col. Nico Wenner.

A torch parade was part of the Hoesdorf commemoration.

As a powerful spiritual symbol of remembrance and reconciliation, Lt.Col. Wenner had a special candle set on the altar with three wicks representing the three countries: the United States, Luxembourg and Germany that were lit by the two Princes.

The church service was followed in turn by a common breakfast, offered by the local tourist board for all attendees. As the latter one continued, a number of attendees including the two German veterans proceeded to the woods to witness the unveiling of a special memorial plaque next to a former U.S. position to pay tribute to all victims of the fighting on those fateful high grounds. The plaque had been generously offered by the British 916 G.R. living history association, headed by Tony Dudman and another British reenactment group headed by Ian Saunders, who also got the honor to unveil this new memorial as all their members in American and German WWII uniforms silently witnessed. It was a moment of intense feelings of respect, of tribute and reconciliation at the exact location, time and date – 60 years later.

The two British re-enactment groups headed by Ian Saunders (“Americans”) and Tony Dudman (“Germans”) unveiled a special commemorative plaque at tour stop number 5 paying tribute to all soldiers who fell at the Hoesdorf plateau. The plaque has been sponsored by the WWII Living History Association.

The unveiling of the memorial, covered by the Union Jack.

Close-up of the inscription.

A joint moment of silence by both re-enactor groups.

Crown Prince Guillaume talking to German veteran, Albert Summerer, who fought here as a 17 year old private.

Roland Gaul thanking Tony Dudman for the sponsoring of the plaque. On the right is Theo Friedrich, another German veteran of the 5th parachute division.

The two re-enactors groups then started a 15-Km "commemorative" "fall back" and advance march thru the woods in direction of Diekirch following the December 16-18, 1944 frontline.

Re-enacting the German progression the woods of the Hoesdorf plateau, as happened on December 16, 1944.

Taking a break for a quick, cold bite.

During the march, a series of striking comparative pictures for historical and educational purposes were made.

Portrait of platoon leader of a GR 916 rifle company.

A “watchful” medic or “Sanitäter”.

An assault engineer of a “Volksgrenadier” unit.

A confident MG 42 machine gunner.

A delegation of inhabitants of Hoesdorf, Reisdorf and Bettendorf then also proceeded to a wreath-laying at the small German cemetery of Wallendorf just across the border of the Our river.

As at all the other "Night Vigil" sites in Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg (22 communities in total), all early-morning attendees were presented with a "Night Vigil" certificate of appreciation, a lapel pin and sticker that had been created by Yves Claude.

US Navy buglar at the “Night Vigil” ceremony in Wiltz.

During that time, TTRRHH Prince Guillaume and Félix visited the Diekirch museum and the General Patton statue and memorial at Ettelbruck before proceeding onward to "Schumann’s Eck" National Liberation Memorial (NLM) for the 09:30 a.m. regional commemoration attended by the VBOB veteran group and hundreds of local participants. It was here that NLM President

Pierre Brosien gave a striking address recalling the Dec 16, 1944 facts around Wiltz, followed in turn by remarks by several American veterans of the VBOB group who fought around Schumann’s Eck in December 1944. Several wreaths were offered as the U.S. Navy band and color guard provided full military honors to that dignified and impressive ceremony.

The VBOB veterans then left for Bastogne/Belgium for a follow-up ceremony at the Mardasson Memorial, organized by AMBA in cooperation with "Cercle Mars et Mercure" (retired Belgian army officers’ friendship circle).

At 3:00 p.m., a national closing ceremony attended by the GRAND-DUCAL family, the Government, the U.S. Congressional delegation headed by Speaker Hastert, the VBOB veterans and hundreds Luxembourgers – young and old – took place at the Luxembourg American cemetery. Speeches were made by Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker President of VBOB and wreaths were presented by HRH the Grand Duke and two VBOB veterans – Mr. Hershell Harper and Mr. Ralph Youngmann, both wounded on December 16, 1944 in Luxembourg. The 50 U.S. state flags, taps by the Luxembourg army band, 21 gun salute by 105 mm howitzers of the Luxembourg army and American and Luxembourg honor detachments provided an impressive setting to the official part of this 60^th anniversary "Battle of the Bulge" commemoration.

After the execution of the two national anthems, the Grand-Ducal family accompanied the VBOB veterans, escorted by American and Luxembourg students to the grave rows for individual silent tribute and the flowering of several tombs.

To conclude that lengthy day of events, the American Embassy had invited to a special elaborate reception in a large hall decorated as a 1944-style U.S. army mess hall with vehicle displays, photo exhibits, musical presentations, addresses, food and drinks for all participants.

On December 18, the city of Bastogne hosted its own commemoration in presence of HRH, the King. (please look under 60th anniversary commemorations in Bastogne on the Internet for details)

A delegation of veterans including VBOB President George Chekan and VBOB 60^th anniversary tour coordinator Earle Hart visited the German cemetery at Sandweiler/Luxbg. on December 19 to lay a wreath on the large memorial cross – mass grave.

US veteran Alfred Grossenbacher (28t Inf. Div) interviewed by RTL television at the German cemetery of Sandweiler during the December 19, 2004 reconciliation ceremony.

Earle Hart and VBOB President George Chekan, offering at wreath at the German cemetery of Sandweiler.

This was indeed a powerful token of reconciliation and a strong message of collective remembrance. This gesture was prominently covered by the local media and widely appreciated by numerous Luxembourgers.

60th anniversary of the final liberation of Diekirch

January 18, 2005. To mark the 60^th anniversary of the final liberation of Diekirch on January 18, 1945 by troops of the 5^th U.S. Infantry Division "Red Diamond", the local organization committee had invited the community to an evening service at the parish church of Diekirch enhanced by U.S. Air Force and Luxembourg army color guards, followed in turn by a torch parade. Led by the local band and by U.S. and Luxembourg army honor detachments and color guards, several hundred people participated in the parade leading thru the center of Diekirch for a final wreath-laying and silent tribute ceremony at the American memorial on the banks of the Sauer river.

Luxembourg army and US. Air Force color guards leading the nightly torch parade in Diekirch on January 18, 2005.

January 22, 2005 was filled with a large scale reenactment of the crossing of the Sauer river and the construction of a floating bridge, as done 60 years ago by infantry- and engineer units of the famous "Red Diamond Division" in the Diekirch sector.

Dutch re-enactors preparing for the Sauer river crossing event on January 22, 2005.

Again, the organizers were fortunate to have the full support of Mr. Jorrit Volker’s reenactment group from Leuwarden, the Netherlands, who all appeared this time in 5^th U.S. Infantry division outfits with the "Red Diamond" patch on with vehicles and equipment correctly marked accordingly. The plywood assault boats that were used, were all stenciled as "7^th Engineer Bn., B- company".

Plywood assault boats M2 all marked “7th Engineer Bn” /5th Infantry Division.

In addition, members of Ian Saunders’ reenactment group and Tony Dudman’s G.R. 916 living history association, provide additional "American" an "German" actors t add t the historical accuracy of the scene.

The site that had been previously selected for the reenactment is located at the exit of Diekirch in direction of Ingeldorf and Ettelbruck at the entrance of the municipal park on the shallow banks of the Sauer river (It was here that companies of the 3^rd Bn., 2^nd Infantry regiment) were to cross the icebound river as of 03:00 a.m. on January 18, 1945 to enter and start retaking Diekirch from the backside.

Luckily the temperatures were much higher (above freezing) than 60 years ago – there was no snow or ice – and the existing wooden footbridge provided a very good platform for the large visitor groups to observe the reenactment.

US. Veteran Ford Greene, 2nd Rg/5t Inf. Div, who participated in the January 18, 1945 crossing, sharing his recollections.

The special guest of honor on that day, was Mr. Ford Greene, 2^nd Infantry Rgt veteran/5^th Infantry Division, who had returned with his wife, children and grandchildren to "relive" his own story and be honored for his participation in the liberation of Diekirch. Mr. Greene actually crossed that fateful night of January 18, 1945 as a member of the 2^nd Bn some 400 meters west in direction of Ingeldorf. He made the crossing unharmed, but was wounded on January 20, 1945 near Kippenhof north of Diekirch. (for full story: look under "Red Diamond" veteran visits former battlefield)

It was around 09:30 a.m. on January 2005, that the Dutch and British re-enactors in full combat gear pushed 3 assault boats into the Sauer river and started paddling to get to the opposite banks. Artificial smoke and the blank firing of nearby 75 mm pack howitzers, simulated machine gun fire and a M-18 tank destroyer added to the realism the scene. The first boats "unloaded" infantry that "fell under fire" by "German" reenactors (Tony Dudman’s 916^th G.R. living history association) A "German" patrol in an inflatable 10-man dinghy - provided by Erny Klares had first inspected their mine field defenses on the opposite banks.

“German” re-enactors readying their inflatable boat.

Despite casualties due to mines ad German defensive fire, the German positions – as happened in 1945- were overrun by the American and the "Volksgrenadier" soldiers taken prisoner.

“Assault” by 5th division “Red Diamond” Infantry.

“German prisoners” surrendering .

Prisoners being marched off to captivity.

Additional boats "landed" throwing steel cables across the river. Those cables were fastened on the "liberated" banks to serve as fixations for the floating bridge to be constructed. Trucks pulled up on the opposite shore, unloading additional plywood assault single-capacity boats that were pushed by "engineers" into the water to be lashed together, secured to the central cables, covered with wooden planking and adjusted. Step by step to "bridge" grew. After the final boat had completed spanning the entire width of the Sauer river, rope railing was added to the floating platforms and the bridge was "declared accessible" -- "Cross the Sauer river with dry feet – courtesy of 7^th Eng. Bn., 5^th Infantry division" could be read on a signpost fixed at a tree at the entrance of the bridge by Jorrit Volkers and his "7^th engineers" –

The entire process took about 2,5 hours under the watchful eye of several frogmen and water rescue personnel, tasked by the Diekirch organization committee with overall safety.

Hundreds of visitors were then invited to take a closer look at the equipment, the vehicles, uniforms, weapons …Many of them interacted with the "American" an "German" actors. Special honors were given to veteran Ford Greene and his family -- led by Jorrit Volkers in snow camouflage, they were the first cross the finished bridge.

Led by Jorrit Volkers, President of the Dutch reenactment group, U.S. veteran For Greene in turn, lead his family over the floating footbridge.

Jorrit Volkers, Lisa Edgely daughter of Ford Greene), son Andrew, Mrs. Maggy Greene and daughter Cathy Edgely.

This was the "second " crossing for the 5^th division veteran –this time in amore peaceful environment. Ford Greene was thereafter honored by the mayor of Diekirch and the officials and paid individual floral tribute to the Diekirch U.S. liberation memorial.

Ford Greene’s personal tribute to hi fallen comrades killed in action in Diekirch during the January 18-20, 1945Sauer river crossing operations.

By 3:30 p.m., the "engineers" started taking down the bridge to make sure it was gone before darkness, for safety reasons.

An evening popular fair event at the nearby "Aal Seeërei" community center and fireworks to celebrate the "final liberation" concluded that memorable day.

On January 23, 2005, a "plaque unveiling" and "peace tree planting" ceremony in honor of the 38^th soldiers of the 11h regiment , 5^th Infantry Division, killed during the liberation of Hoscheid, concluded the 60^th anniversary commemorations in the area.