13 December st Annual Bastogne December Historical Walk by Petra Wenstedt-Pulles, president Screaming Eagles of WWII Foundation

This year the walk took us West of Bastogne, where elements of the 101st Airborne Division arrived by truck from Reims, France on 19th December 1944 to block and then halt the German drive to Bastogne, Belgium.

A commemmorative patch was distributed amongst all participants, honoring the 327 Glider Infantry Regiment

It was cold, very cold. There was snow and icy paths to follow which reminded the walkers physically of that winter of 1944/45.

Honorary CSM Joseph M. Bossi, representing all 327-men, past and present, walked accompanied by friends, members of the Screaming Eagles of WWII Foundation, the Airborne Committee Eerde and the Eerde Windmill Foundation.

His son, Joseph R. Bossi was a guest of the Screaming Ducks, a living history group who took him under their wings. Joey carried the 327 HQ Co 2nd Bn guideon.

Along the four different routes, many re-enactment groups added to the scenery.

After the walk, having warmed up with a hot spiced wine, we attended the wreath laying ceremony at the 17th Airborne monument in Flamierge. CSM Bossi (Ret) laid a wreath together with Mr Maurice Sperandieu, inspirator and organiser of the Walk, on behalf of all participants of the walk.

The 17th ABN monument is positioned on the outer edge of their defense area where it touched the area of the 327 GIR in The ridge where the monument is positioned is known as Bloody Ridge due to the heavy casualties suffered.

The children of the local orphanage were presented with Christmas gifts.

Back in Bastogne, we met up with CSM Wright (327), who together with CSM Bossi (Ret) took part in the parade which led to the Patton Memorial and ended with a wreath laying ceremony at the McAuliffe monument.

The 101st Division colors and the 327 flag were carried in the parade.

Many dignitaries were in attendance, the senior American representative US Ambassador to Belgium Mr S. Fox.

A large crowd attended the ceremony at McAuliffe square where another wreath was presented by CSM Wright and CSM Bossi (Ret) flanking Mr Sperandieu.

Having finished all official business, it was time for a warming-up to take the chill off. Warming up in Le Nuts restaurant on McAuliffe square, another surprise was waiting:

In the restaurant, among the photographs of 1944, we found framed pictures of CSM Bossi (Ret) and Petra Wenstedt-Pulles, president of the Screaming Eagles of WWII Foundation

It was a grand weekend honoring those who fought in that most famous of land battles: THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE