CB editor speaks at German ceremony
Checkerboard editor Bill Meyer was one of the main speakers at the ceremony May 8 at Remagen, Germany, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the end of the war in Europe as well as crossing of the Rhine.
The 9th Armored, 78th Infantry, and 99th Infantry Divisions were the original troops who crossed the Ludendorf railroad bridge and established a bridgehead on the east side.
More than 500 troops and high ranking officers from American, German, and Belgian forces, well as government officials, were present at the ceremony.
Hans Peter Kurten was in charge. Selections from Joseph Hyden and Ludwig von Beethoven were played by a string quartet.
Meyer represented the "average GI" who fought in Europe. His talk was the only one made without text, which observers noted and stated it "came from the heart."
He also represented the United States Army during similar festivities 10 years ago at a 50th anniversary observance.
At the end of the ceremony, Herr Kurten told Meyer, "we'll see you again in 10 years."
