Commemorating the battle in Bastogne

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 1994, 60 years after the battle and also in 1997.

News about the commemorations in 2011

7 december 2011: The jump of the Round Canopy Team in Bastogne that was sheduled during the Bastogne Historical Walk, Saturday, December 10th 2011, Noville DZ. has been cancelled. Source: facebook.

Perimeter walk (route map) at Bastogne - 10 December 2011 from 08:00
"The 34th walk will cross over the Noville area. (10th AD, 1/506 and 705TD Bn Area)
Walkers can choose three distances: 7, 13 or 22 kilometers.
The start will take place from 08:00 a.m until 09:30 a.m at the Sports Center of Bastogne (Centre Sportif Ð Porte de Trier)
The fare is Û 6 per person. Remember that by your participation, you support organizations to assist veterans." Source: City of Bastogne

Perimeter walk on youtube

10 December 2011 -
12:00 - Static show of historical vehicles at Cobru-Recogne
14:30 - Wreath laying at the Patton memorial in Bastogne

Pre-opening BASTOGNE ARDENNES 44 MUSEUM
1000m2 exhibition of vehicles and equipment of the Second World War
BASTOGNE ARDENNES 44 MUSEUM
Bras, 635-637
6600 Bastogne
Belgium
Source: Museum

11 December 2011
10:00 - Static show of historical vehicles at Cobru-Recogne
14h30 : Parade of historical military vehicles at la Grand rue de Bastogne
Source: City of Bastogne

17 and 18 December 2011
Baugnez 44 Historical Center - Historical Re-enactment battle of the bulge. Source Baugnez 44 Historical Center

Special exhibition for the 65th commemoration of the battle of the bulge in La Roche en Ardennes. Starting at December 9 2011. Source: Musee La bataille des Ardennes, La Roche en Ardennes

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 cheared 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.

Re-enactment in Bastogne

Parade in the mainstreet in Bastogne, great to see and hear the crowds and these US Sherman tanks in the small streets of Bastogne.

The landscape in 2004.

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.

Airborne Paradropping Hemroulle

Re-enactment campement in Bastogne

20 ans en 1945 a Bastogne

Commemorating the victims

Hemroulle Re-enactment

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