These two photos were shared with me on social media. And these are only two of the many photos that were shared but they mean something right now and one means something more to me. But these photos are from the museum at Bastogne, Belgium. The Siege of Bastogne was part of the larger conflict, the Battle of the Bulge, the WWII counteroffensive by the Germans that was almost successful.
As the fascists among us fight to gain control of the United States and destroy our democracy, it is a good time to remember the very real sacrifices of our heroes and ancestors. We paid a dear price in money and lives to keep the United States and the world free of fascism and tyranny and we can’t forget and we can’t give up now.
So often it is asked, how did Hitler come to power. How did the good people of Germany allow that to happen. It is too easy to imagine as we watch Donald Trump bring masses of Americans under his thrall. As a nation we should know better than that.
And after Hitler came to power, how did the world allow him to initiate what became the Second World War. Well, worried leaders gave in to his demands on Sudetenland and other events, and didn’t take action until he invaded Poland and France. Yet too many Americans are getting in line behind the Comrade Kens and Karens in Washington and saying we shouldn’t provide aid to Ukraine. The parallels between an expansionist Hitler and expansionist Putin are unsettling.
I don’t want to see another American service person fighting on foreign soil. I don’t want to see the United States repeat mistakes that we and the world made nearly 100 years ago. Putin has already declared a new Cold War and Trump has already called for a Fascist America. Don’t let it happen.
Look through the central arch to the far side of this memorial: you will see WISCONSIN there.
My father was a member of the 11th Armored Division. He was injured at the Battle of the Bulge in January of 1945 and finally released from a Veteran’s Hospital in July of 1947. He came home 60% disabled and with severe PTSD. No American should ever have to experience that again.
