Timberwolves Europe 2013, Dutch Remembrance Day, 4 May.

[Categories: TRAVEL, PHOTOGRAPHY, EUROPE, WWII]

(See previous posts for what this tour is about.)

I’m not going to be able to keep up with the activity. It is Dutch Remembrance Day today (honoring all war-dead) and we have a ceremony in Wuustwezel, Belgium with the British WWII ‘Polar Bears’ (the 49th West Riding Infantry Division) and a representative of the King of Belgium. We have other wreath-layings, Remembrance services, and it seems like the local people treat us to food every two to three hours.

Here is today’s sample of photos:

We start the day at Oudenbosch Basilica in Oudenbosch, NL. It is a 1/16th replica of two churches in Rome. The interior is a replica of the interior of St. Peter’s Basilica, the exterior a replica of the Basilica of St. John Lateran

Group photo opportunity!

The vets receive souvenir books about the basilica.

Timberwolf Pup David wayyyy up in the dome.

Another group photo.

1/16th scale.

1/16th scale.

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After our visit we walk to the Oudenbosch 104th Inf. Div. Monument for a wreath-laying ceremony:

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We are treated to coffee, sweets, and box lunches in the basement reception of the basilica:

A good shot of the dome while walking to the reception.

Conversation and friendships.

Presentations and thank yous.

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Next it is on to Wuustwezel, Belgium for the officious dedication of the completely rebuilt ‘Polar Bears’ monument which includes a Timberwolves plaque. (The Timberwolves relieved the Polar Bears from battle in Oct. 1944.) This is quite the ceremony, with a representative of the King of Belgium, the Belgium Ambassador for the U.K. and Northern Ireland, a representative of the American Ambassador (said rep by chance also being a Timberwolf Pup), a busload of be-medaled WWII Polar Bear vets, and various military and residents. Speeches and wreath-layings abound. These photos and movies are a meager sample. You must get the book or dvd when it comes out.

The gentleman center is a Timberwolf Pup and representative of the American Ambassador in Belgium.

The representative of the King of Belgium has arrived with his large Mercedes and police escort and is introduced to the local dignitaries.

Timberwolf vet Bob presents the 104th Inf. Div. wreath.

Each wreath-layer salutes the King’s representative.

Polar Bear and Timberwolf.

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Polar Bear’s reception. More food and drink!

A 96-year-old uniformed standard bearer at from the ceremony.

Timberwolf vet John in a Dutch Friends of the Timberwolves jacket.

Presentations and thank you’s at the Polar Bear’s reception.

I’ll finish the rest of today tomorrow so you can see this tonight yesterday. (It’s true! Think about it.) (True for readers in the U.S. that is.)