Belgian people still love Americans
In spite of the news you've been hearing and reading, the Belgian people still love and respect Americans.
Our Belgian friends of the 99th at Clermont-Thimister, Belgium, write that they've been able to help several Americans recently.
"We received a very nice letter from Mr. and Mrs. Larry Clapsadl," Marcel and Mathilde Schmetz write. "We will do all we can to help them when they come to Belgium next year.
"We found Cpl. Robert Reiber's grave and it had not been adopted, so we asked a teacher in the small school where Marcel attended when he was a little German boy. We asked if she could adopt the grave. She said she and the children of her school would adopt it. She is very dedicated to the Americans for our liberation nearly 60 years ago.
"I hope Mrs. Clapsadl will be happy to know that Belgian people will see that her father's grave is being taken care of.
"During the Fourth of July, a special day for all American citizens, flags flew all over, but not in Belgium as our Independence Day is July 21.
"A WWII veteran came to visit us in July and stayed at our home for 13 days. His name is Earl Lovelace, he was in the 2nd Inf. Div., and served as a medic, first aid man.
"He still now cannot understand how he survived the war.
"He wanted to celebrate Independence Day in Belgium. So we suggested a little ceremony in front of the 2nd Inf. Div. monument at Krinkelt on July 4.
"The 2nd Div. monument is alongside the 99th Inf. Div. monument in the courtyard by the Krinkelt church.
"The are the same size, and beautiful. Earl decided to pay respect to the 99th, as well, and the photo attached shows him placing a wreath at the 99th Monument.
"I read a little poem to thank him and all the American soldiers who fought for freedom 59 years ago. Taps was played, and the two national anthems.
"We thought it was so moving to see a WWII veteran from another division honoring the 99th.
"We hope you'll publish it in the Checkerboard."
Marcel and Mathilde
Remember Museum
