Preface
These crosses and Stars of David mark the graves of 7,992 American solders who died in the region near Homburg, Belgium. Many of them were killed during the "Battle of the Bulge" which was the largest-ever battle fought by the U.S. Army from December 16, 1944 to January 25, 1945. This cemetery pictured, Henri-Chapelle, was initially situated nearby as a temporary cemetery after the area was liberated September 11, 1944 by the United States Army's 1st Division. At its peak, there were over 19,000 American soldiers in the temporary cemetery before 60 percent of them were returned home at the request of the next of kin. Handling of the dead was carried out by the 607th Graves Registration Company.Each one of these crosses represent a young man or woman, who gave their lives protecting what every man and woman on this earth cherishes the most, FREEDOM. Without these brave men and women, the world would be a different place.
George Ciampa, a World War II veteran with the 607th Graves Registration Company and the president of LET FREEDOM RING, will never forget his experience. Today, the history of this era is not commonly known by many younger Americans and others. Too often people take freedom for granted and never realize that there is always a chance for it to be taken away. For example, people in Europe lost their freedom as Nazi Germany occupied their countries.
George Ciampa created LET FREEDOM RING in order to educate today's generation on the importance of FREEDOM and to never forget those men and women who gave their lives for freedom. Today's generation cannot be complacent about the security of our freedom that so many servicemen and women have died for over the years.
In August 2006, Ciampa took four Southern California high school history teachers and two First Division "Battle of the Bulge" veterans to Belgium. The purpose was to enlighten the teachers about the hardships of the Belgian people who lived under the Nazi occupation as well as hear the experiences of the veterans who fought the Nazis. The tour was filmed for a documentary to pass this information to younger generations.
In July 2007, Ciampa took other high school history teachers and other veterans of the D-Day Normandy Invasion to France. The purpose was to enlighten the teachers about the hardships of the French people who lived under the Nazi occupation as well as hear the experiences of the veterans who fought the Nazis. The tour was also filmed for a documentary to pass this information to younger generations.
In this day and age, freedom is not a word that should be political. It is beyond that. It's the one thing worth dying for because without it, there is no life. The Europeans know what it is like to lose freedom, how its almost like being stripped of humanity.
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The tour of duty is LET FREEDOM RING. The lesson is priceless.
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Music from "Let Freedom Ring",
Antonín Dvorák: "Goin' Home"
United States Air Force Band
