BASTOGNE, Belgium (AP) — The air was crisp with winter chill and solemn remembrance as events unfolded to honor the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, one of World War II's most pivotal engagements. On December 13, 2024, U.S. veterans, dignitaries, and European allies gathered at the Mardasson Memorial, where echoes of the past were brought to life by the presence of those who fought bravely against the odds.
Among the veterans attending was 100-year-old David Marshall, who was part of the U.S. Army's 84th Infantry Division during the infamous battle. Holding out his wallet to show a weathered photograph of himself from the war, Marshall was both nostalgic and urgent. "If you forget the past," he said, "you are not going to have a future." His observation serves as a reminder of the lessons learned through sacrifice during one of history's most brutal conflicts.
The Battle of the Bulge commenced at dawn on December 16, 1944, when over 200,000 German troops launched a surprise attack through the dense woods of the Ardennes region. The objective was to capture the Allied forces off guard and turn the tide of the war. Instead, the U.S. troops, though initially outnumbered and weary, managed to delay the German advance long enough to receive reinforcements. The harsh battle conditions, compounded by snow and bitter cold, proved to be as formidable as the enemy itself. Marshall recounted, "It was cold, wind with snow — and there were a few Germans around, you know. And it was a matter of subsisting... Fighting them was not the problem. Fighting the weather was the problem."
Decisively, U.S. and allied forces turned the tide of the battle by Christmas 1944, leading the way for the eventual Allied advance to Berlin and the fall of the Nazi regime. The battle's significance continues to resonate, highlighting not only military valor but also the unity forged through shared struggle.
The commemorative events on December 13 included representatives from various countries, with U.S. Senator Susan Collins preparing to lay a wreath at the Mardasson Memorial, symbolizing the enduring bond of friendship and cooperation forged over eight decades. "There's no reason we cannot get along," shared fellow veteran Gilbert Charleston, now 101, as he reflected on not just the shared history but the potential for future harmony among nations once at war.
Belgium's King Philippe also took part, engaging with veterans, acknowledging their sacrifices, and embracing the message of unity and remembrance. This significant connection to history echoes loud and clear, as veterans and dignitaries alike encourage younger generations to study and learn from these defining moments.
"Learn all you can about it to prevent any future war," Marshall urged, establishing the narrative's recurring theme: the importance of memory and vigilance against the repetition of past mistakes.
The commemoration exhibited far more than solemnity; it showcased living history, with reenactors donning period uniforms, operating vintage military vehicles, and establishing encampments reminiscent of those long-gone winter days. This immersive experience bridged the gap between the past and present, allowing attendees to grasp not just the history but its relevance today.
Even as generations pass and the ranks of veterans thin, the significance of events like this remains fresh. The message conveyed is both one of remembrance and reconciliation—a cautious recognition of the lessons borne from painful memories. With World War II veterans aging, the urgency to honor their legacies takes on added significance.
The commemorations also serve as reminders of the broader geopolitical narrative; from once being enemies to standing together as allies within NATO, the U.S. and Germany's relationship has transformed entirely. On this day, Marshall pointed out the importance of fostering goodwill and kindness, reflecting on how easily history could repeat itself if lessons are not learned.
For Marshall and other veterans present, today was more than remembrance; it was also about hope. Hope for peace, hope for kindness, and hope for future generations to avoid the conflicts of the past. The commemoration concluded with the names of fallen soldiers being remembered, with the moment of silence punctuating the gathering—each echo serving as both tribute and cautionary tale.
Reflecting on the day's import, Marshall’s words lingered: “If we don’t learn from history, we’re doomed to repeat it.” Charitable calls for kindness and peace captured the spirit of the day, reminding everyone of the shared responsibility to uphold the values fought for during those tumultuous winter months of 1944-45.
