We took a WWII Battle of the Bulge/Battle of the Ardennes themed tour to Bastogne and surrounding areas. 14,000 Americans were surrounded by 40,000 Germans. The battle lasted a little over a month. Turning point of the war.
The area is beautiful. The leaves were turning--beautiful.
American Sherman Tank in center square of Bastogne.
Aren't my guys handsome!
On top of the Battle of the Bulge historical center. This memorial was built in the shape of a star. All the units involved in the battle were displayed as well as all the 50 states were commemorated.
Nic and Ben commanding a Sherman Tank
Ben goes for a night ride!
WWII Willies Jeep...watch out Nic your going to hit that car! 
Ben living the moment :)
American General McAuliffe. When demanded to surrender, his answer was "Nut's".
Bastogne Museum-artifacts found over the years from the battle
They have these American tank turrets placed around the city where major battles took place
WWII's biggest baddest tank--German King Tiger II--
You can still see where a bullet lodged in the tank.
It's got Stacks! :)
Malmandy Massacre. The SS advanced guard massacred 80 American Soldiers here.
Henri Chapel American Cemetary Memorial in Belgium. 7998 buried, 473 unkown American Soldiers buried here. This is owned and maintained by the US Governement, was a very sacred feeling here, peaceful and quiet.
We had a bite to eat before heading home. The countryside was beautiful.
The area is beautiful. The leaves were turning--beautiful.
American Sherman Tank in center square of Bastogne.
Aren't my guys handsome!
On top of the Battle of the Bulge historical center. This memorial was built in the shape of a star. All the units involved in the battle were displayed as well as all the 50 states were commemorated.
Nic and Ben commanding a Sherman Tank
Ben goes for a night ride!
WWII Willies Jeep...watch out Nic your going to hit that car! 
Ben living the moment :)
American General McAuliffe. When demanded to surrender, his answer was "Nut's".
Bastogne Museum-artifacts found over the years from the battle
They have these American tank turrets placed around the city where major battles took place
WWII's biggest baddest tank--German King Tiger II--
You can still see where a bullet lodged in the tank.
It's got Stacks! :)
Malmandy Massacre. The SS advanced guard massacred 80 American Soldiers here.
Henri Chapel American Cemetary Memorial in Belgium. 7998 buried, 473 unkown American Soldiers buried here. This is owned and maintained by the US Governement, was a very sacred feeling here, peaceful and quiet.
We had a bite to eat before heading home. The countryside was beautiful.
NO FREAKING WAY! We, as you well know, are major WWII nutballs! We are totally 100% jealous!
ReplyDeleteHow amazing to see that stuff-- could you just hear the Band of Brothers music while you were walking around??
I hope your kids realize how lucky they are. I would give my eye teeth and maybe MY kids to be able to do that. (OK. Not the kids. But my teeth? heck ya!)