As German forces encircled Bastogne in Wallonia, Belgium, the town became a focal point of fierce fighting and suffering. With medical facilities overwhelmed and supplies running low, the wounded flooded the town’s makeshift hospitals. Nurses like Augusta Chiwy and Renée Lemaire worked tirelessly alongside military medics to provide care, often under bombardment and in freezing conditions.&nbsp;Their efforts were not only acts of medical care but also gestures of humanity in an environment stripped of it. The caregivers brought comfort to soldiers far from home and helped preserve the dignity of the dying. These women were a lifeline for the defenders of Bastogne.&nbsp;&nbsp;Augusta Chiwy&nbsp;Born in 1921 in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo, Augusta Chiwy was the daughter of a Belgian father and Congolese mother. She moved to Belgium as a young girl and trained as a nurse in Leuven. When the Battle of the Bulge (16 December 1944 to 25 January 1945) started, Chiwy was visiting her family in Bastogne. Instead of fleeing, she volunteered at an aid station set up by the U.S. Army.&nbsp;Chiwy's role was not without danger. On Christmas Eve 1944, the aid station where she was working was bombed, killing several people, but she miraculously survived. Known for her bravery and dedication, she tended to wounded soldiers of all races, despite facing discrimination herself. After the war, Chiwy returned to a quiet life, her contributions largely unrecognized until later years. In 2011, she was awarded the U.S. Army’s Civilian Award for Humanitarian Service. Augusta Chiwy passed away in 2015 at the age of 94.&nbsp;Renée Lemaire&nbsp;Renée Lemaire, a Belgian nurse born in Bastogne in 1914, was another Angel of Bastogne. Having trained as a nurse, Lemaire returned to her hometown when the war front shifted from northern France to eastern Belgium in the course of 1944. During the siege of Bastogne, she volunteered at a makeshift hospital in the basement of one of the town’s houses.&nbsp;On Christmas Eve 1944, a German bomb hit the hospital, killing Renée Lemaire and 30 of her patients. Despite her death, Lemaire’s story resonated deeply and she became a symbol of the resilience of the Belgian people. She is buried in Bastogne, and her cemetery serves as a memorial for those who honour her sacrifice.The Nurses of Bastogne Memorial&nbsp;The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="Hyperlink SCXW62997755 BCX0" href="https://www.europeremembers.com/pois/937/nurses-of-bastogne-memorial">Nurses of Bastogne Memorial</a>, located just outside Bastogne on the road heading towards the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="Hyperlink SCXW62997755 BCX0" href="https://www.europeremembers.com/pois/64/bastogne-war-museum">Bastogne War Museum</a>, commemorates the women who served as nurses during the Battle of the Bulge. Augusta Chiwy and Renée Lemaire are among those honoured by this monument, which serves as a reminder of the extraordinary contributions of caregivers during wartime. The memorial highlights the indispensable role women played in supporting the Allied war effort and preserving the humanity of those caught in the conflict.&nbsp;

Two stories of remarkable women you should know: the Angels of Bastogne

By late 1944, the German troops had to retreat on all fronts. In the West, the Allies had liberated Paris and crossed into German territory. In the East, Soviet forces were advancing relentlessly. Despite these developments, Hitler refused to admit defeat. Determined to regain the initiative, he devised an ambitious plan to reverse Germany's fortunes in the West, betting everything on a large-scale winter offensive.&nbsp;Germany’s objective was audacious: break through the dense Ardennes Forest, cross the Meuse River, and seize Antwerp—a critical Allied supply hub. Success would sever the British and U.S. American armies, creating disarray among their ranks and compelling them to negotiate. This would, in theory, allow Germany to concentrate its remaining resources against the advancing Soviets in eastern Europe.&nbsp;To ensure the plan’s success, secrecy and surprise were critical. Hitler’s forces quietly amassed troops and equipment under the guise of defensive operations, codenaming the mission Wacht am Rhein ("Watch on the Rhine"). Timing was everything, and the offensive was planned to exploit the poor weather usually prevalent during the winter months, grounding the superior Allied air forces.&nbsp;A surprise attack before Christmas&nbsp;On the foggy morning of December 16, 1944, the German Wehrmacht launched its surprise attack, catching the Allied troops unprepared. Using overwhelming force, the Germans pierced the Allied lines, creating the infamous “bulge” in their defenses that gave the battle its name. The initial phase was marked by rapid advances and heavy Allied casualties, with German forces capturing key positions and sowing chaos among the Allied ranks.&nbsp;Despite the initial shock, the Allies quickly rallied. In Bastogne in Belgium, the 101st U.S. Airborne Division, encircled and outnumbered, famously refused to surrender, holding their ground against repeated German assaults. At St. Vith, units of the U.S. VIII Corps mounted a staunch defense, slowing the German advance and disrupting the timeline of their incursions. Similar resistance occurred at Elsenborn Ridge, where American forces inflicted severe losses on the German soldiers. These critical delays allowed the Allies to regroup and prepare a counteroffensive.&nbsp;The decisive setback on the Western Front&nbsp;By early January 1945, the German advance had stalled, and the Allies launched a two-pronged counteroffensive from the north and south. Superior logistics, reinforcements, and the eventual clearing of weather allowed Allied airpower to devastate German supply lines and troops. The relentless counterattacks forced the Germans to retreat, suffering massive losses in manpower and equipment.&nbsp;&nbsp;By February 1945, the German forces had been pushed back to their original positions. The failure of this offensive depleted Germany’s remaining resources in the West, leaving them unable to mount another large-scale attack. The Allies resumed their advance, crossing the Rhine River in March and pressing deeper into Germany. For Hitler, the Ardennes gamble was a catastrophic failure, squandering critical resources in a futile attempt to change the course of the war. Within months, the Third Reich would collapse, with the Second World War in Europe concluding in Allied victory in May 1945.&nbsp;

Battle of the Bulge - The last major German Offensive 

In December 1944, Hitler launched a massive surprise offensive through the Ardennes mountains in the east of Belgium, aiming to split Allied forces and seize the port of Antwerp. The attack caught the Allies off guard, creating a bulge in their lines—hence the name Battle of the Bulge. Bastogne, a strategically critical crossroads town in the area, became a focal point of the German assault. By December 21, the town was surrounded by armored Wehrmacht units, and its defenders, the 101st U.S. Airborne Division and other troops, were cut off without adequate supplies or reinforcements.&nbsp;On December 22, German forces, confident in their position, sent a delegation to deliver a surrender ultimatum to the American commander in Bastogne, Brigadier General Anthony McAuliffe. The message promised “total annihilation” if the Americans did not surrender. McAuliffe, upon reading the note, reportedly laughed and exclaimed, “Nuts!”. His staff suggested that this succinct response be his official reply to the Germans.&nbsp;Defending Bastogne&nbsp;The single-word response was delivered to the German delegation, who were baffled and sought clarification. The Americans explained that it meant, essentially, “Go to hell!”. The rejection of the German demand motivated the besieged troops, boosting their morale at a critical moment.&nbsp;Despite dire conditions—freezing temperatures, dwindling supplies, and relentless German attacks—the defenders of Bastogne held their ground. On December 26, General George Patton’s Third U.S. Army broke through the German lines and conquered the town. The “Nuts!” reply became an enduring symbol of American grit and defiance, immortalizing the bravery of those who fought in Bastogne.&nbsp;General Anthony McAuliffe&nbsp;Anthony Clement McAuliffe was born on July 2, 1898, in Washington, D.C. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1918, McAuliffe served in a variety of artillery assignments before the Second World War. His military career was steady, though unremarkable, until the war brought him into the spotlight.&nbsp;In 1944, McAuliffe was the acting division commander of the 101st Airborne Division during the Battle of the Bulge (16 December 1944 to 25 January 1945). His leadership during the siege of Bastogne not only exemplified his strategic acumen but also his ability to inspire resilience under what seemed to be insurmountable odds. The “Nuts!” reply summarizes his wit and determination, qualities that earned him admiration among his men.&nbsp;After the war, McAuliffe continued to serve in the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of lieutenant general before retiring in 1956. Though his career encompassed numerous achievements, he is best remembered for his role at Bastogne. McAuliffe passed away in 1975 and was buried in the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, U.S.A.&nbsp;The Bastogne War Rooms&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.europeremembers.com/pois/2286/bastogne-war-rooms">The Bastogne War Rooms</a>, a newly opened museum, offers an immersive look into the December 1944 siege of Bastogne. Visitors step into key moments of the encirclement, from command decisions to the everyday struggles of soldiers and civilians. Highlights include a recreation of General McAuliffe’s command post, where the iconic "Nuts!" reply was made.&nbsp;Focusing on storytelling and personal experiences, the Bastogne War Rooms complement the other museums in the city in Wallonia, providing a fresh perspective on one of World War II's key moments. This compact yet powerful exhibition is a must-visit for anyone exploring the history of the Battle of the Bulge.&nbsp;On the occasion of the 80-year anniversary of the siege, the Bastogne War Museum celebrates the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="Hyperlink SCXW250907411 BCX0" href="https://www.europeremembers.com/events/522/nuts-weekend-bastogne-war-museum">Nuts Weekend from 13 to 15 December 2024</a>.&nbsp;

Defiance in Bastogne: the famous "Nuts!" exclamation

To mark the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of France, the Département du Var and the Musée National de la Marine in Toulon are joining forces to highlight the landings on the Var coast on 15 August 1944.The exhibition Operation Dragoon. 1944, the Provence landings in photographs features a large number of photographs from French, British and American institutions, illustrating the preparation and conduct of this major yet little-known event of the Second World War.Opposite: A convoy of ships carrying the men of the 1st Army Corps set sail from Naples for France in preparation for the Allied landings on the coast of Provence (Operation Anvil-Dragoon) in August 1944.July to August: 10am-6pm dailySeptember to June: 10am-6pm every day except TuesdayClosed on 25 December and 1 January

France

Operation Dragoon 1944, the Provence Landing in Photographs

Taken by local photographer Matt Sills during the museum’s veteran event held on 3 June 2024 during the D-Day 80 commemorations.Free admission to the exhibition which will run until 18 January 2025.

United Kingdom

The lucky ones grow old

The relationship between love and war is intimate and as old as mankind. Under the threat of death, life and love are experienced much more intensely. World War II affected the love life of a whole generation of people. They - as always - got butterflies in their stomachs: in the air-raid shelter, in hiding, at the front or simply on the streets. The 'Love in wartime' exhibition, from 5 June 2024 to 30 March 2025, shows how people found each other under difficult circumstances. And how feelings can overcome everything. After all, what is 'right' or 'wrong' in love? In the 'Love in Wartime' exhibition, we see war from its most intimate, human side. From a boy who met his first boyfriend during forced labour in Germany to a newly married couple who survived Auschwitz, always looking for a sign that the other was still alive. These personal love stories often had major consequences, such as: the journey of thousands of wartime brides to and from the Netherlands, the at least as many children fathered by an Allied or German soldier, the persecution of homosexuals and large-scale paid love in the war years. Behind special curtains, adults can even peek into stories about wartime sex and admire vibrators from the 1940s.Love in Wartime is a unique exhibition that immerses visitors in the atmosphere of a cosy 1940s street with fully historically decorated rooms on either side. Behind one door is a living room, behind the other a hiding place or a café celebrating the liberation. This makes the exhibition an adventurous experience for young and old. The exhibition 'Love in wartime' is inspired by Steffie van den Oord's book of the same name, available in new print from 4 June 2024.The Freedom Museum shows the passionate story of love with unique masterpieces such as sheet music, diaries, love letters and wedding dresses. An intimate exhibition with never-before-seen material that will make your heart beat faster!

The Netherlands

Love in Wartime

Come one, come all to our 9th Commemorative March in honour of Virgil Butzke of the 3rd Armored Division and the people of Odeigne who suffered so much during the Battle of the Bulge.Departure: Odeigne School at 10 a.m. on 28 December 2024.No registration, just turn up!

Belgium 

9th Commemorative Walk in Odeigne

As part of the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge:From 10am in Rensiwez: Commemoration and re-enactment of the JUNCTION in Rensiwez (re-enactors from Vellereux and Bastogne Barracks) and Remembrance Ceremony.Square Janvier ‘45 in Houffalize: Military band, parade of the authorities (Embassies) in rue de Schaerbeek, inauguration of the Barrack Museum + inauguration of the graphic decoration of the arches of the memorial site, popular aperitif.

Commemorations of the liberation of Houffalize

Saturday 18 January from 6pm to 9.30pmMarche Gamelles du Bivouac de la Liberté followed by an evening in a US atmosphereSunday 19th January - 12.00 noonLiberation meal followed by a US tea danceBivouac de la Liberté: €30/person - €18 for under-12sLiberation meal: 30€/person - 18€ for under-12sCombined (Bivouac + Meal): 50€/person - 29€ for under 12s

Freedom Bivouac

After long years of absence of freedom Pilsen celebrated its 45th Anniversary of the liberation by the US Army in 1990 with the participation of the president Václav Havel and the US Ambassador in Prague Shirley Temple Black. Together with the living history clubs, the City of Pilsen preserves the tradition of celebrating the liberation, that is why the first days in May belong to the Liberation Festival. For this event, visitors from all around the world come to celebrate - with the citizens, American veterans, their family relative at present respectively – the freedom. Traditional parts of the celebrations are commemorative acts at the memorials of the American units participating in the liberation of the city, the unique display of vintage military vehicles Convoy of Liberty and the presentation of the living history clubs offering impressive interpretation of history with the period equipment and gear held on a year basis. The military history program is enhanced by culture show intended for the broad public with the participation of Czech and foreign performers.The Liberation Festival is unforgettable experience with its unique atmosphere remembering the contribution of the US Army to the liberation of Europe.

Czech Republic

Liberation Festival Pilsen - the liberation by the US Army

In the municipality of Geldrop – Mierlo, the official ceremony is held at the British War Cemetery. In collaboration with the Municipality and the Oranje Committee Mierlo, the “De Drie Harten” foundation organizes the commemoration at the British War Cemetery on Geldropseweg. During this event, not only are those who fell during World War II remembered, but also those who continue to fight for peace today. Thanks to the contributions of the mayor, a representative of the municipal council, clergy, scouting groups, musical bands, choirs, the Guilds of Geldrop-Mierlo, and speakers, a solemn commemoration takes place every year.

Dodenherdenking (Remembrance Day)

With the performance ‘We'll meet again’, singing trio The Forces Sweethearts reflects on 80 years of freedom in the Netherlands. Memories are brought to life thanks to beautiful stories and anecdotes from the time surrounding World War II. All this will be framed musically by music from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. Think of the big hits by Vera Lynn, Doris Day and, of course, The Andrews Sisters. Do you remember them? ‘Bei mir bist du schon’, ‘Rum and coca cola’, ‘Those were the days’ and of course ‘We'll meet again’! Thanks to their beautiful three-part vocals, swinging dance moves and stylish outfits, The Forces Sweethearts will make this performance a feast of recognition and allow us to reflect together on this special milestone.

Theatre concert 'We'll meet again'- 80 years freedom

In the context of the 80th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War, we are planning the creation of a historical walk with memorial sites of the settlement of Kato Ampelokipi that connect them with the history of the Second World War. In particular, an anniversary map will be created that will be placed at the entrance of the settlement and will capture memorial sites with short stories of the Second World War, while at each of these points there will be special markings, so that the visitor, through a historical walk , to explore unknown stories 80 years later. The anniversary project will be launched on May 9, 2025 as part of the "Victory Day" celebrations in Europe.

Historical walk

In 2025 we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II (1945-2025). This is why the Historical Research Group of the Rhineland-Palatinate Germany/IG Heimatforschung Rheinland-Pfalz, decided to initiate a special memorial march for all soldiers of World War II in 2025. For soldiers of all nationalities, whether male or female, whether Allied or belonging to the Axis powers: everyone fought for their country, everyone had a family, everyone made great sacrifices. No one will be forgotten! Enemies then, friends today! This is a Remembrance march in the name of international understanding.This 100km remembrance march will be executed as so-called "semi-tactical evasion march", with almost no water, food or gear, except your evasion/survival kit (survival ration, water filter etc.).Many aircraft crews who parachuted out of their aircraft found themselves behind enemy lines after their plane was shot down. Those who could, tried to “fight” (and walk) their way back to their own lines. Their route was almost always long, full of adversities and hardship.The start of the World war II Escape Evasion &amp; Remembrance March is at the crash site of an English bomber that crashed in World War II near Ludwigshafen am Rhein. Only one crew member survived the crash by means of parachute. After the crash site was examined by the IG Heimatforschung, a memorial stone was erected there on September 23, 2023. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ig-heimatforschung.de/projekte-allg/world-war-ii-memorial-project/">World War II Memorial Project - IG-Heimatforschung Rheinland-Pfalz / Historical Research Community Rhineland-Palatinate Germany</a>The finish will be in Lauterbourg, France (allied lines in 1945)During the march there will be ten checkpoints/coordinates that will lead past Allied, German and French memorials (e.g. various Allied plane crash sites, the former Rheinwiesenlager near Ludwigshafen, the former battlefield in the Bienwald, etc.). At the memorial sites, there is time to pause and pay due respect to the victims before continuing on to the French border. The checkpoints and planned route will be made available to participants via the Komoot hiking app (link) for download and navigation on your cell phones, so that the planned route can be navigated very easily. Additional navigation aids are optional.This 100km march must be completed within 24 hours (similar to well-known 100km marches such as the 100km Totenkopfmarsch/Dodentocht in Belgium, the Mammutmarsch in Germany, etc.). No problem for anyone without physical disabilities. The main thing is to train and prepare.If you have two legs and the right attitude, you can do it.Surprise yourself and your friends. And grow with your progress! If you manage the 100km within 24 hours, nothing else can stop you! Believe in yourself! 100km are hard? Fighting in war is hard! Maybe you can imagine what the men, women and families experienced back then, but only to a certain extent. Show them the respect they deserve by taking part in this march. Leave your comfort zone for just one day and push yourself to the limit!Do you have what it takes to be a 100km Long Distance Evader?Pain is temporary. Pride is forever!Follow the link for more details: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ig-heimatforschung.de/projekte-allg/100km-24-std-world-war-ii-escape-evasion-remembrance-march/">https://www.ig-heimatforschung.de/projekte-allg/100km-24-std-world-war-ii-escape-evasion-remembrance-march/</a>

Germany

100k/24h Escape Evasion & Remembrance March - 100km/62 miles from Germany to France!

Interview with Mathieu Billa (Bastogne War Museum)

From moving veteran testimonies to thrilling reenactments, vintage planes, concerts, and moments with actors from Band of Brothers, the event was a powerful tribute this important part of history.

Commemorate the end of WWII – 80 years later

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