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Got a wonderful letter from Don Burgett (101st Airborne author for those not familiar with him) yesterday, in response to an email I sent him the other day regarding Reg (Lennon) and Filip (FIWI) who are members of our forum. I wanted all to know about his exciting trip. Tell me that you wouldn't love to be there too?

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Marion,

I too thought of you at this time for it is getting close to the "Lunch bunch" meeting and I will miss it this time. Bando/Burgett Tour is taking off from Metro Wed. Sept 14 about 9:25 PM. We will land in Amsterdam, Holland, visit battle areas for about three days, then on to Bastogne where we will be allowed to visit the underground bunker of General McAuliffe, where the General coined the now famous "Nuts" answer to the Germans.

We will also be allowed to tour the old pre-WWII fort where the bunker is located. I am to receive a Bastogne medal there in a short ceremony. The fort and bunker is off limits to the public and only limited persons are allowed to tour after application and clearance after about two weeks consideration. We will meet with your friends Reg and Filip, I have been in email contact with them, they speak highly of you. Filip was instrumental in obtaining our permission to visit the fort, bunker and the ceremony.

We will also be visiting the old battle sites where I fought alongside my comrades over half a century ago.

Scheduled to return home Sept. 25, 2005, 5:10 PM. See you at the following Lunch Bunch.

Best,

Don Burgett

Good stuff there Marion. I've been following their (Burgett/Bando) progress over on Mark's site and I know the build-up to this trip has been great. I'm very happy that Mr. Burgett is afforded this oppurtunity to once again (and probably for the last time) return to those hallowed grounds. Much like my conversations in the Berchestegarden thread, I can't imagine what thoughts and emotions go through one's mind at a moment like that.

Ron

I'm very happy that Mr. Burgett is afforded this oppurtunity to once again (and probably for the last time) return to those hallowed grounds.

Yes, me too. As our dear vets start getting up in age, many of the opporutunities do not come up again, so I am very happy that he is healthy and has the chance to go. Can't wait to see the photos and hear all about it. I'm sure he have a good presentation at our next 101st meeting in October.