BASTOGNE: The Battle of the Bulge was the last German offensive of World War II, and the Siege of Bastogne the scene of a heroic defence by American paratroopers.

Seventy-five years on, the Belgian town is hosting a weekend of colourful re-enactments followed by solemn ceremonies of remembrance.

Veterans, historians and military enthusiasts are joining international officials to mark the now legendary close quarters battle on a snowbound wooded plateau.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi arrived for initial ceremonies in the town on Saturday, accompanied by a delegation of 15 lawmakers from the Democratic and Republican parties.

“We commemorate the courage of our service members who braved weeks of bitter winter to secure the victory of freedom over tyranny, not only for Europe, but for all the world,” Pelosi said, according to a statement.

“Their service reminds us of our mission: to build a future worthy of their sacrifice.” Bastogne’s relief in late December 1944 by General George “Old Blood and Guts” Patton helped seal his reputation as one of America’s military giants. But the out-gunned paratroopers of the 101st Airborne — who held the pocket for a week against advancing German armour — also claim a share of the glory.

The Belgian town of Bastogne, close to the Luxembourg border in the Ardennes hills, is the focus of the commemoration, as it was of the fighting.

On Dec 16, 1944, German forces — which had been falling back before the Allied advance from France since June’s D-Day landings — counter-attacked.

Their goal was to seize the port of Antwerp to deny it to Allied resupply ships, and five of the roads north converged on the small southern town.

By December 20, the battle-hardened but lightly-armed US paratroopers were surrounded and a German Panzer general demanded their surrender.

“Nuts!” was the one word reply from the US commander, and the ensuing week-long siege lasted until Patton’s Third Army was able to come to the rescue.

On Sunday, hundreds of re-enactors in period uniforms from both sides will recreate sequences of the battle outside the hamlet of Hardigny.

And on Monday, dignitaries will gather at the Mardasson Memorial to the thousands of American dead for the official ceremony of remembrance.

Published in Dawn, December 15th, 2019