CHIAfE+VRES, Belgium Aca,!" A group of 2nd Armored Division veterans and their families visited ChiAfA..vres Air Base and Daumerie Caserne on Sept. 11 as they neared the conclusion of a European trip that has taken them through Belgium and France.
Members of the veterans group fought their way through Belgium in 1944 and said visiting sites they remember from 65 years ago still has great meaning to them.
Kurt Rosenhagen, who was traveling with his uncle Bob Bergman, a WWII vet, said that members of the group try to visit Europe every five years or so.
During their trip to the Benelux, the group got a tour of the Air Base and attended a ceremony to mark the events of Sept. 11, 2001 in the chapel. ChiAfA..vres Garrison manager John Paugh spoke of the sacrifices made by the WWII veterans during the event. "God bless the greatest generation. We as a nation have not forgotten and will not forget the people who sacrificed," he said.
He also touched on the sacrifices made by veterans of the war on terror and the tragic loss of life on Sept. 11, 2001. After the service the vets mingled with Soldiers, U.S. Army Garrison Benelux civilians and family members, telling stories from their past.
USAG Benelux service members said they were humbled to speak to the veterans. Sgt. 1st Class Philip Wadholm summarized the feelings of many of the HHC members in attendance. "It's great that the newest generation of veterans gets to interact with the greatest generation of veterans, especially on a day like Sept. 11."
The veterans were also appreciative of the visit. "The whole thing has been amazing," said George Smilanich, a WWII vet. "We've been back to Europe several times and this trip has just been fabulous," he added.
While all the sites visited on the veterans trip was special in some way, the remembrance service for the attacks of Sept. 11 had added significance. Not only did Bob Bergman serve with the 2nd AD in WWII, but he was also a steelworker who worked on the construction of the World Trade Center towers.
"The service had a very special meaning," Bergman said quietly. "It was beautiful and brings back a lot of memories."
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