A Veteran's Journey

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Europe from terror. For us baby boomers and veterans, this is a somber reminder of what our fathers and grandfathers sacrificed in order to preserve the freedoms we’ve come to enjoy today.  

My father, A.Z. Adkins, Jr., fought with General George Patton’s Third Army during the war. He was with the 80th Infantry Division, which landed on Utah Beach in early August 1944.

He was wounded in early October in Sivry, France, sent to England for rehab, and then returned to the 80th the day before the Battle of the Bulge began. He was also one of many who “stumbled upon” several German concentration camps, most notably Buchenwald.

I can’t tell you the chills I had when my wife & I visited Europe (France, Luxembourg, & Germany) a few years ago. In several cities, the local citizens celebrated their liberation by the 80th Division by unveiling several memorials.

Knowing that I was standing in the same locations my father had stood years earlier was an honor. Trekking deep into a forest with a local historian, I stood in a foxhole where my father may have slept. But I know his company (Company H, 317th Infantry Regiment) launched mortars from that location in order to fight off the Germans.

That was an extraordinary journey for me. It still gives me goosebumps when I think of that special day.

I’ve been on two of these trips, following my father’s journey through the war.

My wife’s father was also in WWII; he parachuted in behind enemy lines during the early morning hours on June 6, 1944 — D-Day. He was with the 82nd Airborne Division. We took the opportunity to visit the Normandy area, including Omaha Beach and Utah Beach.

Being able to follow in our fathers’ footsteps, so to speak, was a life-changing experience for us both. The French, Luxembourgers, and Germans are perfect hosts and at every turn, they showed their appreciation for what our veterans did for them.

We also visited the Luxembourg American Cemetery, located in Hamm, Luxembourg, just outside Luxembourg City. My wife and I were with many WWII veterans and their families and joined Helen Patton, General Patton’s granddaughter, in a moving ceremony.

We strolled around and through the well-kept cemetery grounds; again, a very emotional experience – there are more than 5,000 American war dead buried at the cemetery, which covers 50 acres and was dedicated in 1960.

A friend of mine, also on the tour, visited with his older brother whom he lost in WWII. This photo is one of the most moving photographs I’ve taken and a constant reminder of what war does to a family.

There will be many celebrations over the next few months in Europe. Learn what you can about your fathers and your grandfathers and what they did during WWII. And, if you have the opportunity, I hope you’ll take advantage of some of these activities and celebrations the French, Luxembourgers, and Germans are planning for the 75th Anniversary of their liberation.

Until we meet again,
Andy

Andy Adkins is a US Navy veteran (’73-77) and the author of several books. His newest novel, NEVER FORGET, is the story of A Vietnam Veteran’s Journey for Redemption & Forgiveness. NEVER FORGET is FREE (eBook, PDF) for all veterans. Download your FREE copy HERE.