Each year in december there are several commemorations of the battle of the bulge in the Belgian Ardennes mostly concentrated around Bastogne, Belgium.

I have had the opportunity to attend the commemorations on a few occasions. I was in Bastogne in 2004, 60 years after the battle and also in 2007.

 

---

News about the commemorations in 2014

Dates and program may be subject to change. Always check on the source websites.

Opening The new Bastogne War Museum

22 March 2014. Source: www.bastognewarmuseum.be

70th Anniversary of the liberation of Arlon

5 - 6 - 7 september 2014.
Reenactment event.
Source: www.indianhead.be
Facebook

 

---

Comemorations in 2004

Although it wasn't as cold as it had been in 1944 it did snow on the 16th which added to the atmosphere.

On the sixteenth and on the following days the town was full of events related to the battle.
An impressive sound and light show was held, commemorations on the town square and at the Mardisson and on the 19th a large defile of 300 vehicles which included several tanks drove through the centre of the town cheered on by a large crowd.
Compliments to the organizers of this commemoration, which was well organized.

On the 16th a ceremony was held on the Mc Auliffe square in the presence of American veterans.

Reenactment of Allied and Germans soldiers throughout the weekend.

Parade on Sunday the 19th.

 

The landscape in the Ardennes.

Commemorations in 2007

Photo rapportage of the commemorations in 2007, click on the icons below to view the photos of the events that took place that year in and around Bastogne.