USAFE members commemorate Armistice Day in Belgium

  • Published
  • By Capt. Tony Wickman
  • USAFE Public Affairs
Several United States Air Forces in Europe personnel were among scores of people who celebrated the 90th Armistice Day in Walcourt, Belgium, Nov. 11.

Armistice Day, celebrated as Veterans Day in the United States, commemorates the end of World War I and pays tribute to the men and women who fought or were prisoners of war in all wars.

The events started at 10 a.m. with Mass in the Basilica of Our Lady in Walcourt, with speeches and music from the USAFE Five Star Brass Band quintet and a local choir interspersed.

One of the guest speakers was Col. Scott Manning, USAFE Warrior Prep Center commander, who spoke of the terrible price of war and the common bonds and enduring friendship between Europeans and Americans.

"Our involvement in the two world wars was simply the beginning of the past 92 years of commitment to Europe. I know that we all understand the sacrifices that have been made and I'm extremely appreciative of Belgium being a superb host for NATO, SHAPE and the Tactical Leadership Program," the colonel said. "Your support against extremist forces in the world and your continued commitment to NATO is appreciated. I know we have worked closely with each other in the past and I'm confident our nations will continue to work closely in the future."

A Spangdahlem Air Base honor guard and a 30-person USAFE contingent from the WPC and the TLP in Florennes, Belgium, marched in a short parade from the church to a small cemetery following Mass. Colonel Manning and several Walcourt children, with city authorities and veterans and prisoners of war present, then laid wreaths to honor the sacrifices of the living and remember the dead.

USAFE's participation with Walcourt can be traced back to 2004, when Tech. Sgt. Cindy Wilson, a USAFE Band member, visited the town and was deeply moved by the stories she heard from local veterans. She worked diligently to enlist U.S. help to celebrate the town's Armistice Day, and American forces have participated every year since. It is support the citizens of Walcourt have greatly appreciated.

According to Maj. Thomas McMahon, USAFE Warrior Prep Center director of operations, getting volunteers to go support the event wasn't a challenge.

"Hearing what was involved and the history of the event made it easy to get volunteers. We were limited in size by the availability of transportation and rooms, but not by desire," the major said. "This was absolutely a moving event and will stay with me forever. It was touching to see all the World War II veterans there and have a warm welcome from the town citizens. They greeted us with open arms and hearts, and from beginning to end it was overwhelming to be a part of the ceremony."

These sentiments were echoed by volunteers Master Sgt. Michael Hawks, a native of Peoria, Ill., and Staff Sgt. Dana Mazur, a native of Addison, Ill.

"They were proud to have us there and glad to see the Americans participate in their event. It was fun to be able to see and talk to everyone," Sergeant Hawks said. "It seemed like the whole town came out to honor their veterans, but also the Americans who were there. It was flattering to have them welcome us like they did."

"It was definitely one of the greatest moments in my Air Force career. To see the patriotism and camaraderie by everyone was something special," Sergeant Mazur said.

To cap the day's activities, the USAFE Concert Band gave a rousing performance at 4 p.m.