World War Two in Bastogne

After another interesting French breakfast, we left the city of Metz and headed north. We traveled through Luxembourg and then across the border into Belgium to the town of Bastogne. Any World War Two history buff will recognize that town as the center of the famous Battle of the Bulge in December of 1944. There are some historical artifacts in town and a relatively new Bastogne War Museum.

Above is a patisserie I had in Metz called "Intense" and it was very yummy!!!

The museum starts with the end of World War One and has an interesting approach. Without casting blame, the Museum seems to imply that the war happened because of the way the First World War ended. I think this makes a lot of sense and the evidence is there, its just interesting to see. This may be a function of how relatively new the Museum is.

The Museum also has three interactive "shows" that combine video, audio, and moving objects to give you a feel of what it might have been like to be in the press and learn about D-Day, to be an American soldier in the forest surrounding Bastogne, and to be a citizen of the town trying to stay protected from the German bombardment. It was clear that the focus of the Museum is on the people of Bastogne and also on the sacrifice of US soldiers.

Behind the Museum is this War Memorial which has been there since the War ended. The people of Bastogne built this for the US as a thank you for their heroic defense of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. Every US state is labeled on the facade of the Monument, and the specifc Army Units thought fought there are recognized.

After our tour of the Museum we went in to the town for lunch. in the town square is a Sherman Tank and a statue of General McAuliffe,

During the Battle of the Bulge, Bastogne and the US soldiers there were cut off from the rest of the Allies by German forces and surrounded. There was too much snow and fog for supply drops and things looked bleak. The Germans sent a message asking for the US to surrendur. General McAuliffe was woken up and told about it. His only response was an angry "Nuts!!" Then he told the soldier to send that to the Germans as a response. The Germans spent a good deal of time trying to figure out what the message meant. In the end, The Germans had to retreat and the story has become legend. There is even a "Nuts!" Cafe in Bastogne.

Need to have a patisserie before leaving...

After a 3 hour drive north, we made our way int ot he city square in Belgium. This is a very active place and nice way to spend our last couple of days in Europe!

Belgian Frites are famous and yummy!

Moules and Frites!

Tomorrow is the National Day in Belgium and so some shops are closed but we are told there is a parade, music, and fireworks. It should be a good day! We will finish with a closing dinner at the Hotel and then we depart for states tomorrow!