Two days before the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge (also known as the Ardennes Offensive), King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium welcomed four American veterans who participated in this decisive battle during World War II. The Battle of the Bulge was the largest and bloodiest single battle fought by the United States in World War II and the third-deadliest campaign in American history.
The American veterans—George Mullins from Kentucky, Joseph Picard from Massachusetts, John Foy from New York, and Fred Nungesser from New Jersey—are each 99 years old. All four fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Eighty years after their courageous fight for Belgium's liberation, they were received at the Castle of Laeken by the King and Queen in recognition of their bravery and that of their comrades-in-arms.
What lovely Welcome for the American Veterans in Belgium. They are all brothers in Arms. God bless them and thank you for their service. What lovely gesture from the King and Queen.
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She looks wonderful. Love the dress and her brooch, what a wonderful visit.
ReplyDeleteSo sweet of Queen Mathilde to let an old veteran lean on her arm and conduct him to a chair. These men probably the last of veterans who actually fought for our freedom in WWII. It is true what my father always told that of the soldiers he saw on both sides (allies and agressor) a lot were still children. These men are from the same generation as my dad, who passed away at the age of 93 years old in 2015. The Battle of the Bulge in Bastogne and the region around this little town in the Belgian Ardennes. Queen Mathilde grew up in Villers-la-Bonne-Eau near Bastogne. On saturday the king and queen will be present I guess at the Remembering Ceremony.
ReplyDeleteFashion wise : Queen Mathilde is wearing a dark green dress by Dries Van Noten, which she wore for the first time in March 2023.
Such a heartfelt gesture from Queen Mathilde. It’s incredibly moving to see her honor these veterans, many of whom were indeed just children when they fought for our freedom. Your father’s perspective is powerful, as it reminds us of the personal stories behind those historical events. It’s also meaningful that Queen Mathilde has such a personal connection to the region. As for her outfit, the dark green Dries Van Noten dress is elegant and fitting for the occasion, and it’s great to see her re-wear it with such grace. The Remembering Ceremony sounds like a deeply significant moment for both the royal family and the veterans.
Delete@ Anon. 19:05
DeleteOn another site I saw a picture of King Philippe, who also presented his arm to another veteran, when they went from one room to another.
We owe these men and their fellow soldiers so much. It’s an honor to thank and remember them. Queen Mathilde looks elegant as always. I love The way her hair is done. She looks a lot younger. Lovely color and lenght.
ReplyDeleteThis visit is truly heartwarming. I cannot even imagine what these men had to endure. Mathilde was dressed perfectly for the important occasion. - Louise
ReplyDeleteI love this dress! It fits her very well, and the gorgeous colour combined with the fabric's texture gives it a very luxurious look.
ReplyDeleteAlso prefer her hair styled like this: more natural and flowing, makes her look younger than the typical 'helmet'-style she sometimes has.
Yes, I agree.
DeleteVery touching to see the King and Queen with the veterans.
-Royal Watcher
I like the dress and hairstyle, as well as the special attention towards veterans.
ReplyDeleteLes quatre vétérans ont dû être très heureux de recevoir un accueil très chaleureux de la part du couple royal vêtu avec attention pour cette occasion sans trop en faire !
ReplyDeleteI watched the video and it was very nice to hear both Mathilde and the King speak to the veterans in English. They were very earnest, interested and engaged, and I've no doubt made these 4 heroes feel very special to be present, and to have the King and Queen listen to their histories.
ReplyDelete- Anon 9:13
Do you have a link to share?
DeleteThis is a marvelous event for these heroic gentlemen. I can only imagine how personal this is for Queen Mathilde as she is from one of the important towns centered in the area where the fighting took place. She looks beautiful, her dress, hair, and jewelry are perfect. My father was part of the defenders of Bastogne and I know how proud and excited he would have been to be part of this recognition.
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@ Janet
DeleteThe little village were Queen Mathilde is raised Villers-la-Bonne eau is in the neighborhood of Bastogne. Before all the little villages in Belgium who were in the neighborhood of a small town are now part of that town.
@ Janet
DeleteIn Bastogne the recognition is still visible every day. You have the Mardasson monument where the names of the fallen soldiers are written on the stones. You also have the museum where you can follow the history of the battle. There is also the American cimetry of Hamm, where a commemoration ceremony took place in presence of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde and GD Henri and GD Maria Teresa of Luxembourg.
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