News Release

Commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge with Special National Cemetery Program

A black and white photo of American soldiers walking down a snow covered road in a forest during the Battle of the Bulge.
American soldiers march down a snow covered road during the Battle of the Bulge.

Photo courtesy of The National WWII Museum New Orleans.

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News Release Date: November 26, 2024

Contact: Jason Martz

Gettysburg PA—Eighty years ago this December, General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Allied forces faced one of their greatest challenges of World War II when the Battle of the Bulge erupted in the Ardennes Forest. More than 30 Americans who died in the Battle of the Bulge are buried in Gettysburg National Cemetery. On Saturday, December 14, join a park ranger in Gettysburg National Cemetery at 3 pm for a special ranger-guided walking tour to commemorate the 80th anniversary of this battle.

In December 1944, a massive German assault left a gaping hole in Allied lines, leading to thousands of troops cut off from reinforcement, as well as thousands more killed, wounded, captured, or missing. The Battle of the Bulge was the largest and costliest battle of World War II for American forces. Nearly one out of every ten American casualties in the war occurred in this month-long battle.

This free guided walking tour will explore the stories of these Americans who, in General Eisenhower’s words, “endured greatly in their country’s cause” 80 years ago. This hour-long program will meet at the Taneytown Road entrance to the national cemetery. Visitors are encouraged to dress for the elements and check the Eisenhower NHS website (www.nps.gov/eise) and Facebook page for updates in the event of inclement weather. In the event this program is postponed, there is a rain date of Monday, December 16, also at 3 pm.

www.nps.gov


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Last updated: November 26, 2024

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