09.11
The inscription on this monument says: “A Triumph of Valor”
Valor is defined in the Mirriam-Webster dictionary as “strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness : personal bravery”
Bernie spoke with Karen & I the other day at this monument to the Battle of the Bulge (Ardennes) of the valor that he witnessed first hand. He was one of the 800,000+ Allied troops that took part of what is called the largest battle that the United States Army has ever fought, and one which is also noted as the last major battle of the European front in World War II.
My father was a part of that same battle. He was a surgeon in the 12th Field Hospital, that operated and cared for those wounded during this and many other battles through the years of the war in Europe. One document stated that the hospital at one point between February 11, 1945 to March 4, 1945 treated over 10,000 wounded and personnel were sometimes required to work continuously for 48 hours or longer. Dad never spoke with his children about the hardships, only the few light moments were the ones he shared.
I mentioned that to Bernie as he was illustrating the importance of the battle. He said that he could understand that, as he still is affected with nightmares, 60+ years later. Bernie went on to share some of the stories that brought a smile to him and to us, like the one where one of his troops explained his odor being from his mistaking a manure pile for a haystack, when he was diving for cover while under attack.
The light moments were few, but the stories of valor could go on and on.
In many ways, Bernie is still giving for his country. He and his fellow WWII veterans of the Battle of the Bulge were camped out by the monument, ready to tell those visitors who came by about the importance of that decisive battle. Passing on what it means to defend your country by being willing to sacrifice and, if needed, give up your life in defense of the cause of liberty.
Bernie may be 89 years old, but he’s still ready, willing and able to serve, and continues to do so, one tale, one visitor at a time.
Terrific story of a patriot, indeed. Where was this taken, Matt? The monument has the U.S. and French flags. But the one on the left I can’t figure out. Red, yellow, green?