Belgians, Americans unite to commemorate Armistice Day Published Nov. 16, 2009 By 2nd Lt. Kathleen Polesnak 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Coralie Baudart typically wears a blue uniform during the week for her job as an ambulance driver, but the Belgian native donned a more traditional, antique brown uniform Nov. 11 - that of a female Army first lieutenant in World War II. Ms. Baudart is one of about 10 1st Infantry Division re-enactors out of Mons, Belgium, who mingled with 52nd Fighter Wing Airmen during events and ceremonies held in Walcourt, Belgium, for Armistice Day. The 1st Infantry Division re-enactors were one of three re-enactment groups present at the event, sharing their fondness of the U.S. and thanks for veterans' sacrifices during World Wars I and II. "What we're doing is a combination of remembering and a live museum," said Eddy Boussemart, organizer of the 1st Infantry Division re-enactors. The "live museum" joined a parade of vintage U.S. Army vehicles, World War II re-enactors, Belgian children and a sea of blue - made up of 606th Air Control Squadron Airmen - that trekked between monuments to hold moments of silence and lay wreaths during Armistice Day. While watching the parade, Staff Sgt. Randall Abella, 606th ACS electronic protection technician and assistant NCOIC for Bravo Flight, reflected on his interactions with Belgians and their appreciation for Americans. "I never expected any country to really welcome us with open arms," he said. "They really thanked us for all the work our veterans before us did. They rolled out the red carpet for us." A day to remember Armistice Day, also known as Remembrance Day, is celebrated in most Allied countries Nov. 11 to commemorate when the Allies of World War I and Germany signed an armistice to end the war in Compiègne, France. The holiday officially became Veterans Day in the U.S. to incorporate veterans of all wars in 1954, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into law. Today, both World War I and World War II veterans are honored during ceremonies at memorials, battle and burial grounds across Europe. And the town of Walcourt, Belgium, is no different. Food, wine and big band music reeled in Airmen from the 606th ACS, Belgian veterans, re-enactors and the U.S. Air Forces in Europe jazz band, Check Six, Nov. 10 for an evening of camaraderie. The Saint Materne Basilica, a structure surrounded by destruction and chaos during war, served as a peaceful, quiet setting for an Armistice Day memorial service. Day memorial service Guest speaker Maj. Gen. Robert Bailey, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Air National Guard assistant to the commander, spoke about the precious ground - free ground - everyone was standing upon, and the 13,629 American veterans laid to rest in Belgium and 955 American veterans missing in action who gave their lives for that freedom. The orchestration of ceremonies, parades, shared meals and music wasn't happenstance. Pierre Delzenne, a Walcourt resident, is the man behind a day that has now become a town tradition, a 606th ACS tradition and a USAFE Band tradition. "I love the United States," he said. "My father is a veteran. I was taught the history and importance of World War II, and since I was a little boy, I was always dreaming of that. I was disappointed by the way the media was depicting the U.S." When he found out there wasn't an Armistice Day ceremony from a friend in the U.S. Air Force six years ago, he realized it was his chance to show his gratitude to the U.S. and honor his own country's veterans. "It's about friendship, love of the U.S., love of history and love of veterans," Mr. Delzenne said. The events are not only meant to help Belgians thank and celebrate the U.S. for its contributions, but also to help Americans do the same, he added. "The U.S. is a great nation, not only great because it's big, but because of the spirit. But I'm often afraid that the younger generation could lose that spirit, so this can help maintain it," said the Walcourt resident. A time to reflect The 606th ACS has been participating in the Walcourt Armistice Day ceremony since it started in 2003, and the USAFE Band has taken the stage at the St. Materne Basilica for the past four years. But the excitement of marching down Walcourt's streets and playing the national anthems hasn't faded. "It's always humbling being in a structure that's been here for hundreds of years," said Maj. Matthew Henry, USAFE Band commander. Lt. Col. Darren Ewing, 606th ACS commander, led about 30 Airmen through the streets of Walcourt and during the ceremonies. "I appreciate the squadron coming out, but I think they get a lot out of it too," Colonel Ewing said. Reverent moments were many for Airmen, and for Colonel Ewing, it was "'Taps' at the memorials and the national anthem signifies why we're here. World War II wasn't that long ago." Major Henry thought about the significance of the day on his way to Belgium. "My grandfather was a World War II veteran. He was in the Army for three and a half years and was part of the liberating force that liberated France. I reflected on that during my drive here - how much of that area he saw 60 years ago," the major said. Just before the parade stepped up to the second memorial, Senior Airman Jamie Jordan, a member of the Spangdahlem Honor Guard, looked on and took photos of the approaching entourage of blue and brown uniforms and Belgian and American flags. "I think it's just beautiful," she said of the interaction between Americans and Belgians. "I didn't know they were so passionate about (Armistice Day), and I wouldn't have known it had I not done this." Dressing up for gratitude They're ambulance drivers, nurses, teachers and students. They're young and old; male and female. They're Belgian. Some speak English and some don't. And they all want to say "thank you." That's why they wear 60-plus-year-old uniforms despite cold, damp weather and stand in formations alongside active-duty Airmen on their day off work. "It is important to remember the past and the present people that are giving their lives for us," said Mathieu Malbecq, a member of a 25-person Belgian 9th Air Force re-enactment group called Buddies of the 9th. Mr. Malbecq - like many of his fellow re-enactors - started collecting World War II items, such as belts and weapons, before joining the Buddies of the 9th. Buddies of the 9th, the 1st Infantry Division re-enactors and other re-enactors also participate in Memorial Day and D-Day ceremonies, as well as events held at battlegrounds, such as the Bastogne Memorial Walk in Bastogne, Belgium, scheduled for Dec. 12. "It is a very big honor for us to have active-duty troops with us," Mr. Malbecq said. "The U.S. military and Belgian military are very different. Americans are very proud of their flag - in Belgium, it's not the same." Armistice Day is a profound event for both Americans and Belgians, said Lt. Col. Thomas McMahon, Warrior Preparation Center vice commander, USAFE Warrior Prep Center director of operations. "This keeps us tied with the local population," Colonel McMahon said. It helps us and them not forget what happened in the past. People recognize me from last year - it's not just a show. It's meaningful for these people."