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Battle Of The Bulge Veterans Mark Memorial Day

Memorial Day ceremony at the Battle of the Bulge monument at Ontario Beach Park in Charlotte.
Memorial Day ceremony at the Battle of the Bulge monument at Ontario Beach Park in Charlotte.

There aren't as many anymore, but local Battle of the Bulge veterans marked Memorial Day at the monument at Ontario Beach Park.

"I just hope we're able to keep it up for a while. I'm going to be 90 in a couple of months, and I'm the baby of the group," said World War II machine gunner John Foy of Rochester.  The Battle of the Bulge was one of the deadliest in World War II.

It's been 70 years, so there are a few less veterans (they are in their 90s) who make the event, but combat engineer Dick Reinhardt says the group is fortunate.

"We still have about 14 active people. We dissolved the Battle of the Bulge Division because it wasn't feasible to keep it up. We still do a lot of things that we did before, and that's important."

Reinhardt says other veterans’ posts also have cut back their activities as members age.

Battle of the Bulge veterans Anthony Nardone, John Cipolla and John Foy received medals reflecting the highest honors from France for their service in WWII.
Battle of the Bulge veterans Anthony Nardone, John Cipolla and John Foy received medals reflecting the highest honors from France for their service in WWII.

French Consul Attends Ceremony

Three local veterans had to find a place for one more medal on their chest. They were recognized with the insignia of the French Legion of Honor by the French Consul: Paratrooper John Cipolla, machine gunner John Foy, and B-17 navigator Anthony Nardone.

"We got it for action in France in 1944, over 70 years ago,” said Foy. “It's an honor. Whether we deserved it or not is something else."

The French consul told the crowd he wants Americans to know his country will always be grateful for Allied help during the war. Foy estimated that 250 people turned out for the ceremony in Charlotte.

Back in December, John Foy was among veterans who returned to Belgium and Luxembourg marking the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge.

"It rained every single day. Of course, that was a lot better than the last time we were there, when it was ten below zero and the snow was almost waist-deep. Even though we had to slog through some mud it was a lot better than fighting through the snow. And also, there's no naughty Germans shooting at us this time."

Telling Their Story

Reinhardt says he sees plenty of young people who appreciate history, and points to a class he spoke to in Gates.

"And I was very impressed by their students: How well they were versed, not only World War II but all military history."

Reinhardt admits they don't get out to speak as often as they used to, but he says the Battle of the Bulge veterans like to share their experiences. He recalled a visit to Jefferson High School in Rochester.

"And the questions those kids asked were wonderful. They knew what they were talking about. It was really a pleasure. As far as the younger generation - with what I've had to do with them, this country's in good hands."