American World War II veteran Kenneth Thayer, now 99, returned to the tiny Dutch village of Mesch to mark the 80th anniversary of its liberation from Nazi occupation by the 30th Infantry Division, known as Old Hickory. Thayer, along with Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima, attended a ceremony paying tribute to the American liberators. Thayer vividly recalled the day of liberation and expressed his gratitude to his fallen comrades who did not make it through the war.
Residents of Mesch were among the first to experience post-war freedom on September 12, 1944, when American troops crossed the border from Belgium. The gratitude towards the American soldiers is deeply rooted in the region, with local residents expressing their admiration and appreciation for their liberators. Thayer, in turn, praised the Dutch people, stating that they were always highly regarded by the American troops.
The ceremony in Mesch marked the beginning of a series of events commemorating the liberation of the Netherlands from German occupation. The visit of Thayer, a living link to history, served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by Allied forces during World War II. As the anniversary of the liberation approaches, the memory of the American troops who fought for freedom in the village of Mesch continues to be celebrated and honored by both Dutch and American communities.
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