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Community Events/Seminars

VETERANS OF THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE TO HOST 2010 NATIONAL CONVENTION IN COLUMBIA, SC

Destination Columbia to be held September 1-6, 2010

The Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge (VBOB) will host their 2010 national convention in Columbia, SC on Labor Day Weekend, September 1 - 6, 2010.  After competition for the conference from Seattle, New Orleans, St. Louis, Atlanta & Minneapolis/St. Paul, Columbia was chosen by the national VBOB board in Washington, DC.  The SC Chapter of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge submitted an extensive proposal to the board for review. 

The Ardennes Offensive (16 December 1944 - 25 January 1945) was a major German operation launched toward the end of World War II through the forested Ardennes Mountains region of Belgium, France and Luxembourg.  The German offensive was officially named the Ardennes-Alsace campaign by the US Army, but it is known to the general public simply as the Battle of the Bulge.  The “bulge” was the initial incursion the Germans put into the Allies’ line of advance, as seen in maps presented in contemporary newspapers.

With more than 800,000 men committed and over 19,000 killed, the Battle of the Bulge became the single bloodiest battle that American forces experienced in World War II.

“Columbia is proud to host the 65^th anniversary of this important battle,” said Leif Maseng, President of the South Carolina Chapter of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge.  “Many of our comrades from across the country have not visited our city since they were in basic training at Camp Jackson in the early 1940’s”. 

The South Carolina Chapter of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge hopes Columbia will be a focal point as the nation celebrates the memory of this significant battle as well as the 65^th anniversary of the end of World War II.  Columbia has a rich history as a military town, being home to Ft. Jackson Army Basic Combat Training Center of Excellence.  It continues to be one of the largest training facilities in the nation.

A luncheon at the Columbia Convention Center on Thursday will feature George Patton Waters, grandson of General George Patton and Washington Post columnist and featured panelist on ABC “This Week”, George F. Will.   Other special events scheduled for the week include recognition at the USC – Southern Mississippi Football Game halftime show on Thursday evening, a 1940’s-style ‘Hanger Dance’ with a big band orchestra and entertainers at the National Guard Armory on Friday evening.  Direct from the Stage Door Canteen at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, The Victory Belles will bring their “Andrews Sister’s act to the Armory for a night of unforgettable entertainment.  A wreath-laying ceremony at the Ft. Jackson National Cemetery on Saturday morning as well as other speakers and events are planned.  The SC State Chapter of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge hopes that other agencies and individuals will plan patriot celebrations during the week.

For further information, please contact Barbara Mooneyhan, Secretary of the SC VBOB Chapter, Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge 803.345.3092 or roadtovcitory@bellsouth.net.