THE TENSION: Photo Essay: Battle of the Bulge 2008 Commemoration in Bastogne

Approximately 3,000 people gathered in Bastogne on Dec. 13, 2008, to commemorate the 64th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. During the Historic Walk, visitors could travel 6, 12, 20 or 30 kilometers. (Photo by Christie Vanover, USAG Benelux.)

The U.S.-Belgian partnership is demonstrated by Sgt. Timothy Strick as he stands between the countries' flags. Strick carried the U.S. Flag as part of the USAG Benelux Color Guard in the 2008 Battle of the Bulge Parade. (Photo by Cis Spook.)

The USAG Benelux Color Guard leads the 2008 Battle of the Bulge Parade, commemorating the veterans of the WWII battle. From left to right: Spc. Lance Leblanc, Sgt. Timothy Strick, Sgt. Jerrod Armstrong, Spc. Benjamin Lowrance. Not shown: Staff Sgt. Scott Wesley. (Photo by Cis Spook.)

Soldiers from Headquarters Company USAG Benelux follow behind soldiers of the Belgian Army's 1st Artillery in the 2008 Battle of the Bulge Parade in Bastogne. The two units have built a partnership through joint training and ceremonial activities. (Photo by Cis Spook.)

The Belgian Army's 1st Artillery prepares to march the streets of Bastogne with rifles and bayonets in hand as they honor the veterans from the Battle of the Bulge during a 2008 parade. (Photo by Cis Spook.)

Children from a local school marched down the streets in Bastogne carrying flags from the 50 U.S. states and various ally nations, during the 2008 Battle of the Bulge Parade. (Photo by Kevin Downey, U.S. Army Garrsion Benelux.)

Battle of the Bulge Veterans from the 5th Belgian Battalion of Fusiliers paraded through the streets of Bastogne with pride during the 2008 Battle of the Bulge Parade. (Photo by Cis Spook.)

Cadets from Bamberg American High School march behind veterans of today and yesterday to honor those who fought in the Battle of the Bulge. (Photo by Cis Spook.)

Hundreds of re-enactors added character to the 2008 Battle of the Bulge Historic Walk and Parade in Bastogne. (Photo by Cis Spook.)

Hundreds of re-enactors added character to the 2008 Battle of the Bulge Historic Walk and Parade in Bastogne. (Photo by Kevin Downey, U.S. Army Garrsion Benelux.)

Hundreds of re-enactors added character to the 2008 Battle of the Bulge Historic Walk and Parade in Bastogne. (Photo by Cis Spook.)

Hundreds of re-enactors added character to the 2008 Battle of the Bulge Historic Walk and Parade in Bastogne. (Photo by Kevin Downey, U.S. Army Garrsion Benelux.)

Hundreds of re-enactors added character to the 2008 Battle of the Bulge Historic Walk and Parade in Bastogne. (Photo by Christie Vanover, USAG Benelux.)

The USAG Benelux Color Guard approaches the Patton Monument in Bastogne during the 2008 Battle of the Bulge Parade, commemorating the veterans of the WWII battle. Members of the Color Guard are Spc. Lance Leblanc, Sgt. Timothy Strick, Sgt. Jerrod Armstrong, Spc. Benjamin Lowrance and Staff Sgt. Scott Wesley. (Photo by Christie Vanover, USAG Benelux.)

The 101st Airborne Flag waves in the cold winter air as hundreds of Belgian and U.S. Soldiers, Veterans, Families and community members gather at the Patton Monument in Bastogne to commemorate the Battle of the Bulge. (Photo by Christie Vanover, USAG Benelux.)

Lt. Col. Keith Forsyth, USAG Benelux Directorate of Emergency Services director, lays a wreath at McAuliffe Square in Bastogne to commemorate the 64th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. The USAG Benelux Color Guard was also present for the parade and ceremony. (Photo by Christie Vanover, USAG Benelux.)

As wreaths are laid at McAuliffe Square in Bastogne in 2008, Servicemembers of the past and present stop to salute. (Photo by Christie Vanover, USAG Benelux.)

Members of the 101st Airborne Division lay a wreath at McAuliffe square, honoring the men who died during the Battle of the Bulge. (Photo by Cis Spook.)

A veteran salutes as wreaths are laid at McAuliffe square, honoring the men who died during the Battle of the Bulge. (Photo by Cis Spook.)

A colorful array of flowers lay at the base of the McAuliffe Monument in Bastogne in December 2008, signifying the heroes of the Battle of the Bulge. (Photo by Christie Vanover, USAG Benelux.)

(CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE) - The General McAuliffe's Christmas message to his troops. (Photo by USAMHI.)

Dozens gathered outside the Bastogne Town Hall to catch a sack of nuts thrown by dignitaries above. The nuts symbolized Gen. Arthur McAuliffe's famous response to a letter by a German commander asking the U.S. to surrender. (Photo by Cis Spook.)

Dignitaries throw sacks of nuts down to dozens gathered outside the Bastogne Town Hall. The nuts symbolized Gen. Arthur McAuliffe's famous response to a letter by a German commander asking the U.S. to surrender. (Photo by Christie Vanover, USAG Benelux.)

(All Photos Courtesy of U.S. Army)

Living History:

BASTOGNE, Belgium, Dec. 17, 2008 -- Thousands of servicemembers and families from across Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany gathered in Bastogne on Dec. 13, 2008, to walk the snow-covered icy trails that veterans of the Battle of the Bulge walked 64 years earlier.

Following the walk, the town celebrated the WWII victory with a parade led by a U.S. Army Garrison Benelux color guard. Unit formations from the Belgian Army’s 1st Artillery and Headquarters Company USAG Benelux were also present, along with cadets from Bamberg American High School.

Wreaths were laid at Patton’s Monument and at McAuliffe Square by U.S. and Belgian dignitaries, including Lt. Col. Keith Forsyth, USAG Benelux Directorate of Emergency Services director.

(Report from a U.S. Army news release.)