The memorial is to all the Americans who fought to keep Bastogne free from German hands. It is in the shape of a star with the story of the battle written on the inside, the names of the units that took part in the battle on the outside, and the 50 states on the top.
It is a massive edifice, and it is quite humbling to walk through.The memorial is located right next to the museum, and unfortunately I was unable to use my camera inside the museum proper, so the only photos I got were of the memorial and of a tank set out front.
Inside the museum was a gallery showing various American soldiers and crewmen, along with the weapons they used. There was also a section devoted to the German soldiers. Both sides also had a vehicle diorama showing several of the vehicles they used. They had the actual vehicles mind, not toy replicas.Also in the museum was a 30 minute film about the battle, which was very informative. The trip to the museum and monument was certainly entertaining, but it almost had the feel of a pilgrimage, like I'd come to pay homage to a spot where so many of my countrymen died. When I walked through the memorial, it was with silence and respect, and so it was with the museum. I treaded softly, for where I walked, heroes had walked also.
We went back into Bastogne proper for lunch, eating at a place near one of the Sherman tanks in the town square. Here is a picture of its flank, clearly visible is the small hole that knocked it out of action.
Yet another monument to the brave soldiers that died defending this Belgian town. As for lunch itself, I had pasta, along with a Belgian beer called Hoegaarden Rosee. It was delicious, a wheat beer flavored with raspberries.The rest of the day was a long, long drive, but we're well positioned to go to Normandy tomorrow, and see the beaches, and the museum in Caen, and Point-du-Hoc. That will be a cool day. Until then, Guten Nacht!
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