Europe’s V-E Day 80th Anniv. Amid Strained US Relations

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    THIMISTER-CLERMONT, Belgium — The haunting memories of the gruesome arrival of U.S. soldiers’ bodies from World War II battles have long troubled 91-year-old Marcel Schmetz, who vividly recalls the bloody scenes from 1945. Yet, these memories also fostered a deep sense of appreciation for the American soldiers who sacrificed their lives to defeat Adolf Hitler and end the war in Europe. In tribute, Schmetz chose to transform his home in the Belgian Ardennes into a museum dedicated to these heroes.

    “If the Americans hadn’t come, we wouldn’t be here,” Schmetz, now enjoying retirement, asserts with heartfelt conviction. This sentiment echoes in Normandy, northern France, where the Allied troops famously landed on June 6, 1944, marking a pivotal moment in turning the tide of the war.

    In Normandy, the spirit of gratitude is maintained by individuals such as Marie-Pascale Legrand, who cares for Charles Shay, a 100-year-old American war veteran. Shay bravely stormed the beaches of Normandy on that historical D-Day as a young soldier, going on to contribute to the liberation of Europe over many exhausting months.

    “For me, gratitude means eternal indebtedness because today I have the privilege to live freely,” says Legrand. Following the events of D-Day, intense fighting persisted for another year until Germany’s unconditional surrender on May 8, 1945. Across the continent, plans for commemorations and festivities are underway for what is now known as Victory in Europe Day or V-E Day, marking a significant chapter in European history.

    Nevertheless, the previously unshakeable bonds between America and Europe have begun to show signs of strain. In the recent past, Washington has taken a more confrontational stance, with the Trump administration challenging the longstanding alliance and imposing trade sanctions on both the EU and the UK. Trump controversially accused the EU of economic exploitation, triggering a trade tussle among former war allies.

    “After all those have occurred, scars have inevitably been left,” notes Hendrik Vos, an expert in European studies at Ghent University.

    Despite geopolitical tremors, enduring bonds persist in places like the Battle of the Bulge’s Ardennes or along the windswept cliffs of Normandy. Schmetz emphasizes that, for them, the Americans were a force of good to whom he remains indebted. Witnessing the harrowing sight of fallen soldiers as a child at the Henri-Chapelle cemetery catalyzed Schmetz’s dedication to preserving their legacy, leading him to collect war memorabilia.

    Having retired from a career as a car mechanic, Schmetz soon transformed a sizable warehouse into the Remember Museum 39-45 over three decades ago, driven by a heartfelt obligation to honor the deceased. A key feature of the museum is a long bench in the kitchen where veterans and their descendants gather to discuss the past and the enduring unity between continents. His wife, Mathilde, carefully preserves these accounts to educate visitors and future generations.

    In recognition of the soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division, nicknamed “The Big Red One,” Mathilde plans to place 696 roses on their graves at Henri-Chapelle, where 7,987 servicemen rest. Charles Shay, who served with this division and later survived the Korean War, began revisiting Normandy about twenty years ago. Over time, as his health declined, Legrand, an advocate for veterans for over 40 years, embraced him into her home in 2018.

    The catalyst for Legrand’s devotion was a speech by then U.S. President Ronald Reagan in 1984, extolling the sacrifice and valiance of American soldiers at Normandy. This experience ignited her realization that “their blood is our soil and gratitude is our duty.” She committed to honoring their legacy from that moment forward, culminating in her life-changing encounter with Shay.

    Amidst the turbulent climate of transatlantic relations, Legrand’s commitment reflects a poignant symbol of the historical alliance, now under heightened scrutiny. Europe grapples with acknowledging its enduring debt of gratitude, as exemplified by Vos’s reflection: “The naive belief that the Americans will always be an ally, simply by definition, has evaporated. This challenges Europeans to ponder—are we eternally bound to gratitude?”