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Tribute to GIs During the year of events remembering the Battle of the Bulge in Bastogne, the newly formed group COBRA (Committee of Organizations “Remember Americans”) organized a 2-day bus trip to Alsace and Lorraine, France. The first day's agenda included a visit to the former Concentration Camp of Struthof, France. The agenda of the second, to visit and pay tribute to 3 American soldiers who were killed in action in the Bastogne area during the Battle of the Bulge and who are buried in the Lorraine American Military Cemetery at Saint-Avold, France.
Thus, on April 28, 2004, 35 people of Bastogne were welcomed by Superintendent Thompson, and visited the cemetery and the 3 following graves: These of William and Henry Warcken (56th Armored Engineer Battalion / 11th Armored Division), twin brothers who were killed by the same shell on January 13, 1945 at the Bois de Niblamont, approximately 2 km, north of Savy, and a short distance west of the road between Bastogne and Longchamps. Mr. J.C. Cremer, Bastogne Deputy Mayor, and Mr. R. Marquet, COBRA Secretary laid flowers on both graves. Then, one of the attendants pronounced the words of Taps and a moment of silence followed. Since the twin’s sister is still alive, the secretary will contact her to let her know about this simple and moving ceremony. Afterwards, the 35 people visited the grave of William Kidney (Co. B / 21st Armored Infantry Battalion / 11th Armored Division) who was killed in action at Chenogne on December 31st, 1944. Bill Kidney was killed in action trying to help his wounded comrade, Charles Hocker. Charles never forgot Bill’s gesture and he charged his Belgian friend, Roger Marquet, to say some words on his behalf to Bill beyond the grave. Roger did this, and with his wife accompanying him, laid flowers on Bill’s grave. Roger proceeded to tell his assembly the story of William Kidney. During the following minute of silence, several women were seen crying. Roger and his wife Monique were especially moved since Bill was KIA in the meadow right in front of their present house, and that Charles Hocker is a good friend of theirs since they met him at the 11th Armored Division's Reunion at Buffalo, NY last August of 2003. They also know a big part of his family including his wife, Gloria; his daughter Joanne and her husband Paul, his grandson Bob, their daughter-in-law Matilde, and their great grandson Robert. All the Bastogne people were very impressed by this visit. They were especially appreciative towards the purpose of COBRA: to “Remember Americans”. |
