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80th
Infantry Division
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Blue
Ridge Summer 2005 - v86, #345 |
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TRIP REPORT
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Every ten years after the end of WWII in Europe, and the liberation of all concentration camps, the German Government selects one camp to celebrate the end of the war. This year, for the 60th anniversary, they selected Buchenwald near Weimar. They normally invite former inmates from any of the camps plus veterans of the units involved in the liberation. This being the 60th anniversary of the end of WWII in Europe, it is probably the last opportunity for this celebration. In addition to the former inmates, the Germans invited veterans of the 80th Inf. Div, 6th Armored Div, the 76th Inf Div and the 130th Evacuation Hospital. Ida and I made a special effort at the urging of the "U.S. Veterans Friends, Germany" to attend. There were only 8 veterans present, including Bob Harmon and his family, from the 80th. Also in attendance was Helen Patton, the granddaughter of General George Patton. Both Bob Harmon and Helen Patton gave impressive presentations at Jena University, which were well received by the student body and the faculty. Yours truly also spoke briefly at the dedication of a new monument in Weimar, dedicated to all U.S. soldiers KIA in Thuringia and again at a reception at the Thuringia State Parliament in Erfurt. We found the German people friendly and hospitable, as we had on previous visits. I believe that our interface with the Germans, particularly young people did a lot to further enhance relations, regardless of what goes on among politicians. Eric Reilinger |
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