I SAW COMBAT IN THESE VERY WOODS // Battlefield Return // The Netherlands

The first phone call I got, I was invited on a trip that was going to be free. And right away I thought, this has to be a scam. But even after that, I thought I was going to be like a tourist. I'd travel around, look at graveyards and museums. This trip has not been like that at all. We ain't done it just so far! We went through a war which was hell. I hope there's never another war like this. When they came, they brought a bill of wrongs. They scorched the earth beyond recognition. We came, we thought and we acted. We brought a bill of rights. They sacrificed their lives to come and save us here. It's just very special. So many smiling faces on our parades. And I think to myself, oh what a wonderful world. Thousands and thousands of people lining the streets. The beams of the rainbow so pretty in the sky Are also on the faces of people going by I see Friends shaking hands saying how do you do When they're really saying I love you My legs are shaky, I'll likely fall. But next to these men, I feel ten feet tall. I'm standing here for all the people who ensured my freedom. And who thought so I didn't have to. I'm standing here because of you. That should never be forgotten. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. All those who survived and those who did not. I hear babies cry. I watch them grow. They'll learn much more than I'll ever know. I think to myself, oh what a wonderful world. Each and every one of you guys had a direct impact on the liberation of the Dutch people. I think to myself, oh what a wonderful world. At home, we've had freedom since our country was established. And we appreciate it. But I think we also kind of take it for granted. These people do not. And it took me a little while to know how to respond. People kept coming up and saying thank you for our freedom. Very emotional. Didn't know where that came from. Love throughout the entire building. This is my first time back. And I'm having a hard time talking. It's just an emotional thing for me. There's no way to get across to a civilian what happens in combat. When we came here, it was a rush. I had a foxhole somewhere out in there. That's the first artillery I experienced. The tension, the stress, the emotion, the fear, the challenge. It's always an honor to visit the American cemeteries and to marvel at the number of men who perished for freedom. Francis Turner, he's a hundred and a half years old. He's so full of life. It's just really powerful to hear it from a guy who's lived a complete full life. Albert Clark was a member of my engineer platoon in the 2nd Armored Division. Albert went to the hospital. He never did come back. You know, as we pay our respects, I look at our guys. I know what it means for them to come back here and ask myself, is this the last time they're going to come back? I love hearing the stories of standing on shoulders of giants. It was September the 17th, 1944. I was six years old. I remember it was a magnificent sight. There was a roar in the air and all of a sudden, we saw the parachutes coming out. It was so special, so special. We were so glad. I'm so grateful that we were liberated by you. Thank you very, very, very much. Our own definitions of peace. May they reign in your heart and burst forth forever.