Testimonials
… “Congratulations on your project. You should be proud.”
-Sandra Evers-Manly---Vice President, Ethics and Diversity, Northrop Grumman Corporation.
Presenting Sponsor of “Let Freedom Ring”.
"I had a chance to review the DVD this weekend and ended up watching it three times!"
-John Schmitt, Ed.D.Associate Superintendent Torrance Unified School District
"You should be proud of all that you accomplished....you do a great job of reminding those young and old of the sacrifices that were made..."
-Don Knabe, Supervisor, Fourth District County of Los Angeles
Click here to view actual letter and full testimonial
… “It’s a great documentary, it’s a jewel—it provokes a lot of emotion indeed; it gives a strong message in a strong format. You accomplished a real “tour de force”. Congratulations to you, (your daughter) Sandi and the whole team.”
-Frank Geerkens---Belgian Government Official.
"A beautiful, moving film about the courage and sacrifice of so many young Americans in your generation in the defense of our freedom."
-Ronald de Langhe, Consulate General of Belgium
Click here to view actual letter and full testimonial
"...Once more we looked at your very interesting DVD and I feel I must tell you once again:"You did a great job!" Each time we look at it with the same emotion. Your message is truly received by the youth. Their reactions are so enthusiastic. Of course it is not possible to agree always with the american politics but one thing is sure we old people will never forget the boys of 1944 who brought us back our Liberty, the whites and the blacks to whom we said our thank you by erecting the Wereth Memorial..."
-Adda and Willy Rikken, Adda is an 82 year old former school teacher and she formed a foundation to raise money for the purpose of constructing the Wereth Eleven Memorial for the eleven African American soldiers who were massacred by the Nazis-----60 years later!! Before that, there was no memorial of a significant nature, only crosses by the ditch where they were murdered. This memorial is featured in the documentary.
"...It is so moving and touching, it's not Hollywood, it's the reality, the real people who suffered so much and the real liberators. Your DVD shows the sufferings of all these men and women. It's impossible to watch it without having tears in your eyes..."
-Mathilde and Marcel Schmetz, Owners and creators of the Remember Museum 39-45. (Featured in the documentary)
Click here to view actual letter and full testimonial
"My family and I viewed the DVD yesterday and we loved it! It is exceptionally well done and ought to be broadcast. I’d like to see it on History Channel or something similar.”
Paul Herbert---Executive Director, Cantigny First Division Foundation, Wheaton, Illinois.
Sponsor of “Let Freedom Ring”.
… “Loved it”
-John Bogert, columnist, Daily Breeze.
"I choked back sobs throughout. NO ONE can watch the film and not be moved...I was - and still am - completely overwhelmed by your film. It's a masterpiece!"
-Debbie Tenzer, owner, doonenicething.com
"This is one hell of a good documentary. I nominate you for a Academy Award for Best Documentary"
-Robert Browning, Laguna Beach, CA
… “It is a great presentation and we are impressed with your leadership and hard work that made it all possible. That DVD will stay in our family long after you and I are gone.”
-Robert Nelson---retired General Manager, Los Angeles Times.
"Powerful and Indellible"
-Louis Zamperini, Louis survived 47 days on a small life raft after being shot down in the Pacific during WW II. He then served 2 years in a Japanese prison where he was brutalized. After the war he found religion and forgave his captors. He is also known for competing in the Olympics of 1936 in Germany. He was a track star at Torrance High School in So. California and at the University of Southern California.
… “We will continue to carry the torch. No thanks can reward your accomplishment. I look forward to using it in my classes.”
Bernard Phelps---history teacher, West High School, Torrance, CA (appears in the documentary.)
… “My family loved the documentary! Our neighbor was over and even cried during some of it. (she’s not the most sentimental person) I look forward to showing it to my classes in a couple of months. Of course I’ll look silly if I cry every time I watch it! Thanks again for some memorable experience.”
Lori Spradlin---history teacher, Torrance High School, Torrance, CA (appears in the documentary.)
… “You have given a voice to all those who lost their lives and I know this was extremely difficult to rehash all the pain and suffering you endured. I will treasure this piece forever. Can’t wait to watch it again!”
Kerry Stark---registered nurse.
… “I had company and we all enjoyed it. It is very well done—very professional.”
Patty Lu Ballard---retired teacher.
… “I saw clearly what you and those magnificent teachers accomplished; the pupils gave a most literate, heartfelt and incisive report on what the sacrifices of the veterans meant to them. I was in tears at the end---the end really winds it up and is such a professional job. Due to you we will indeed have left a heritage to our kids and grandkids and to schoolchildren all over the country. We will not be forgotten. God Bless You.”
Murray Shapiro---retired teacher, 28th Division,WW II veteran of the Battle of the Bulge. (appears in the documentary.)
… “What a great job in producing the DVD. The content is awesome and ‘right on target.’ The story, the layout, the dramatic expressions caused quite a few tearful moments for me.”
Stephen Benton Jr.---Vietnam Vet, son of deceased veteran, 607th Graves Registration Co.
… “Thank you for giving Dad the opportunity to get back to Europe. We probably would not have gone back because of our concerns of his health, but the film made everything ‘right’ and allowed Dad to do what he wanted to do.”
Tom Stefanavage---son of WW II First Division veteran, Peter Stefanavage, who served in many campaigns including the Battle of the Bulge. (appears in the documentary.) (Peter died the next day after filming.)
… “The Belgians and the Vets telling their histories in the first person showed the deep reciprocal relationship created by both the appreciation for freedom returned and the acknowledgement of sacrifice. If only my Dad could have seen your work. The teachers, themselves, seemed matured by the experience, more thoughtful, with a new and personal understanding of the sacrifice of American soldiers, our men.
Gerrine Killian---daughter of deceased veteran, 607th Graves Registration Co.
… “I was able to view the film today and thought it was excellent. I watched it at the Senior Center. Everyone that viewed it, enjoyed it”
-Rocco Moretto---WW II First Division veteran of many campaigns, including Normandy Invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. (appears in the documentary.)
…. “ I was extremely moved (to tears) by the content of the movie and the sacrifice these men and women made for America as well as the overwhelming gratitude they earned from the Belgian people.”
-Betty Friend---veterans’ organizations.
… “We loved it. Gabrielle (an exchange student from Belgium) enjoyed listening to the stories of the people of Belgium and she felt proud to have her country in the film. It was beautifully told and the message was awesome!”
-Roxanne Danielsen---a sponsor of “Let Freedom Ring”.
… “this (documentary) is very overdue. First, I misplaced it (DVD) under a stack of unread mail. Watched half the other night, but I ran out of Kleenex and couldn’t finish it. But I will. It is a very powerful documentary. For such a horror story, it is beautifully filmed. You deserve an Oscar.”
-Carol Clark---wife of WW II veteran of the Battle of the Bulge.
…”The South High teacher is our daughter. It was a wonderful experience for her. Thank you for your labor of love you have given in the development of this video project.”
-Roxanne Heimbuck—mother of one of the teachers in the documentary.
…”Mary and I just finished viewing "Let Freedom Ring" and we were both blown away by the truly outstanding quality of both the content and the production of your DVD!! We both agree that it will become an important primary source for not only for future historians but also any citizen who may be interested in the Battle of the Bulge! You captured the great sacrifice that was made by both the American soldiers and the Belgian population in an eloquent and moving fashion!! It is a true tribute to you, and Sandi, that the final product was so beautifully produced and historically meaningful!! Mary would like to donate a copy to her school library. Our check is on the way!! George, we are very proud of you and all who participated in this project, as well as all those brave young men and women who fought and died in WWII!! The cost of freedom is always paid with deep personal sacrifice. That is, as you say, a truth we must never forget!”
-Mary/ Bill Ciampa---(Mary) present teacher, (Bill) retired teacher, Boston, Mass.
“Been meaning to let you know how impressed we were with your video. We showed your video to our friends from Atlanta. He is a World War II buff. He's very interested in history. They both enjoyed it very much. Mother has seen it too. I cried all the way through, so between my cold and the video, went through the Kleenex. You should be very proud of the finished product. I think you have accomplished what you set out to do.”
-Rosalee Pivonka, Realtor, Rancho Santa Fe, CA.
“…Thank you for making this priceless DVD honoring the vets of that time and place...as well as showing how the Belgians, after 60 years of gratefulness, still continue to pass on to their children the love for Americans. Well Done!…I am giving my copy to my Granddaughter who teaches a High School Honors History class so that she can show it to her students and hopefully encourage others to buy it as a teaching tool.”
-Ivan Gottieb, WWII veteran
“Loved the DVD! You created an outstanding memorial of WWII and the Battle of the Bulge.”
-Dave and Elaine Brent
“...Thank you for keeping this part of history alive.
I watched "Let Freedom Ring" last Friday night. It's hard to put a good description into words, very moving, emotional, sad, and very, very well done. I will share it with all who are interested… Thank you for having the vision and creating the Let Freedom Ring DVD. I viewed the clips and just ordered a copy. There can never be enough documentation of the America sacrifices. These are personal stories indeed.”
-Bob Thomson, Riverside, CA
Note: His uncle, Walter Lindquist, served with 9th Infantry regiment of the 2ID. He was killed on December 18, 1944 and is buried at Henri Chapelle.
… “Congratulations on your project. You should be proud.”
-Sandra Evers-Manly---Vice President, Ethics and Diversity, Northrop Grumman Corporation.
Presenting Sponsor of “Let Freedom Ring”.
"I had a chance to review the DVD this weekend and ended up watching it three times!"
-John Schmitt, Ed.D.Associate Superintendent Torrance Unified School District
"You should be proud of all that you accomplished....you do a great job of reminding those young and old of the sacrifices that were made..."
-Don Knabe, Supervisor, Fourth District County of Los Angeles
Click here to view actual letter and full testimonial
… “It’s a great documentary, it’s a jewel—it provokes a lot of emotion indeed; it gives a strong message in a strong format. You accomplished a real “tour de force”. Congratulations to you, (your daughter) Sandi and the whole team.”
-Frank Geerkens---Belgian Government Official.
"A beautiful, moving film about the courage and sacrifice of so many young Americans in your generation in the defense of our freedom."
-Ronald de Langhe, Consulate General of Belgium
Click here to view actual letter and full testimonial
"...Once more we looked at your very interesting DVD and I feel I must tell you once again:"You did a great job!" Each time we look at it with the same emotion. Your message is truly received by the youth. Their reactions are so enthusiastic. Of course it is not possible to agree always with the american politics but one thing is sure we old people will never forget the boys of 1944 who brought us back our Liberty, the whites and the blacks to whom we said our thank you by erecting the Wereth Memorial..."
-Adda and Willy Rikken, Adda is an 82 year old former school teacher and she formed a foundation to raise money for the purpose of constructing the Wereth Eleven Memorial for the eleven African American soldiers who were massacred by the Nazis-----60 years later!! Before that, there was no memorial of a significant nature, only crosses by the ditch where they were murdered. This memorial is featured in the documentary.
"...It is so moving and touching, it's not Hollywood, it's the reality, the real people who suffered so much and the real liberators. Your DVD shows the sufferings of all these men and women. It's impossible to watch it without having tears in your eyes..."
-Mathilde and Marcel Schmetz, Owners and creators of the Remember Museum 39-45. (Featured in the documentary)
Click here to view actual letter and full testimonial
"My family and I viewed the DVD yesterday and we loved it! It is exceptionally well done and ought to be broadcast. I’d like to see it on History Channel or something similar.”
Paul Herbert---Executive Director, Cantigny First Division Foundation, Wheaton, Illinois.
Sponsor of “Let Freedom Ring”.
… “Loved it”
-John Bogert, columnist, Daily Breeze.
"I choked back sobs throughout. NO ONE can watch the film and not be moved...I was - and still am - completely overwhelmed by your film. It's a masterpiece!"
-Debbie Tenzer, owner, doonenicething.com
"This is one hell of a good documentary. I nominate you for a Academy Award for Best Documentary"
-Robert Browning, Laguna Beach, CA
… “It is a great presentation and we are impressed with your leadership and hard work that made it all possible. That DVD will stay in our family long after you and I are gone.”
-Robert Nelson---retired General Manager, Los Angeles Times.
"Powerful and Indellible"
-Louis Zamperini, Louis survived 47 days on a small life raft after being shot down in the Pacific during WW II. He then served 2 years in a Japanese prison where he was brutalized. After the war he found religion and forgave his captors. He is also known for competing in the Olympics of 1936 in Germany. He was a track star at Torrance High School in So. California and at the University of Southern California.
… “We will continue to carry the torch. No thanks can reward your accomplishment. I look forward to using it in my classes.”
Bernard Phelps---history teacher, West High School, Torrance, CA (appears in the documentary.)
… “My family loved the documentary! Our neighbor was over and even cried during some of it. (she’s not the most sentimental person) I look forward to showing it to my classes in a couple of months. Of course I’ll look silly if I cry every time I watch it! Thanks again for some memorable experience.”
Lori Spradlin---history teacher, Torrance High School, Torrance, CA (appears in the documentary.)
… “You have given a voice to all those who lost their lives and I know this was extremely difficult to rehash all the pain and suffering you endured. I will treasure this piece forever. Can’t wait to watch it again!”
Kerry Stark---registered nurse.
… “I had company and we all enjoyed it. It is very well done—very professional.”
Patty Lu Ballard---retired teacher.
… “I saw clearly what you and those magnificent teachers accomplished; the pupils gave a most literate, heartfelt and incisive report on what the sacrifices of the veterans meant to them. I was in tears at the end---the end really winds it up and is such a professional job. Due to you we will indeed have left a heritage to our kids and grandkids and to schoolchildren all over the country. We will not be forgotten. God Bless You.”
Murray Shapiro---retired teacher, 28th Division,WW II veteran of the Battle of the Bulge. (appears in the documentary.)
… “What a great job in producing the DVD. The content is awesome and ‘right on target.’ The story, the layout, the dramatic expressions caused quite a few tearful moments for me.”
Stephen Benton Jr.---Vietnam Vet, son of deceased veteran, 607th Graves Registration Co.
… “Thank you for giving Dad the opportunity to get back to Europe. We probably would not have gone back because of our concerns of his health, but the film made everything ‘right’ and allowed Dad to do what he wanted to do.”
Tom Stefanavage---son of WW II First Division veteran, Peter Stefanavage, who served in many campaigns including the Battle of the Bulge. (appears in the documentary.) (Peter died the next day after filming.)
… “The Belgians and the Vets telling their histories in the first person showed the deep reciprocal relationship created by both the appreciation for freedom returned and the acknowledgement of sacrifice. If only my Dad could have seen your work. The teachers, themselves, seemed matured by the experience, more thoughtful, with a new and personal understanding of the sacrifice of American soldiers, our men.
Gerrine Killian---daughter of deceased veteran, 607th Graves Registration Co.
… “I was able to view the film today and thought it was excellent. I watched it at the Senior Center. Everyone that viewed it, enjoyed it”
-Rocco Moretto---WW II First Division veteran of many campaigns, including Normandy Invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. (appears in the documentary.)
…. “ I was extremely moved (to tears) by the content of the movie and the sacrifice these men and women made for America as well as the overwhelming gratitude they earned from the Belgian people.”
-Betty Friend---veterans’ organizations.
… “We loved it. Gabrielle (an exchange student from Belgium) enjoyed listening to the stories of the people of Belgium and she felt proud to have her country in the film. It was beautifully told and the message was awesome!”
-Roxanne Danielsen---a sponsor of “Let Freedom Ring”.
… “this (documentary) is very overdue. First, I misplaced it (DVD) under a stack of unread mail. Watched half the other night, but I ran out of Kleenex and couldn’t finish it. But I will. It is a very powerful documentary. For such a horror story, it is beautifully filmed. You deserve an Oscar.”
-Carol Clark---wife of WW II veteran of the Battle of the Bulge.
…”The South High teacher is our daughter. It was a wonderful experience for her. Thank you for your labor of love you have given in the development of this video project.”
-Roxanne Heimbuck—mother of one of the teachers in the documentary.
…”Mary and I just finished viewing "Let Freedom Ring" and we were both blown away by the truly outstanding quality of both the content and the production of your DVD!! We both agree that it will become an important primary source for not only for future historians but also any citizen who may be interested in the Battle of the Bulge! You captured the great sacrifice that was made by both the American soldiers and the Belgian population in an eloquent and moving fashion!! It is a true tribute to you, and Sandi, that the final product was so beautifully produced and historically meaningful!! Mary would like to donate a copy to her school library. Our check is on the way!! George, we are very proud of you and all who participated in this project, as well as all those brave young men and women who fought and died in WWII!! The cost of freedom is always paid with deep personal sacrifice. That is, as you say, a truth we must never forget!”
-Mary/ Bill Ciampa---(Mary) present teacher, (Bill) retired teacher, Boston, Mass.
“Been meaning to let you know how impressed we were with your video. We showed your video to our friends from Atlanta. He is a World War II buff. He's very interested in history. They both enjoyed it very much. Mother has seen it too. I cried all the way through, so between my cold and the video, went through the Kleenex. You should be very proud of the finished product. I think you have accomplished what you set out to do.”
-Rosalee Pivonka, Realtor, Rancho Santa Fe, CA.
“…Thank you for making this priceless DVD honoring the vets of that time and place...as well as showing how the Belgians, after 60 years of gratefulness, still continue to pass on to their children the love for Americans. Well Done!…I am giving my copy to my Granddaughter who teaches a High School Honors History class so that she can show it to her students and hopefully encourage others to buy it as a teaching tool.”
-Ivan Gottieb, WWII veteran
“Loved the DVD! You created an outstanding memorial of WWII and the Battle of the Bulge.”
-Dave and Elaine Brent
“...Thank you for keeping this part of history alive.
I watched "Let Freedom Ring" last Friday night. It's hard to put a good description into words, very moving, emotional, sad, and very, very well done. I will share it with all who are interested… Thank you for having the vision and creating the Let Freedom Ring DVD. I viewed the clips and just ordered a copy. There can never be enough documentation of the America sacrifices. These are personal stories indeed.”
-Bob Thomson, Riverside, CA
Note: His uncle, Walter Lindquist, served with 9th Infantry regiment of the 2ID. He was killed on December 18, 1944 and is buried at Henri Chapelle.