An important day in Eindhoven. Time for shopping and exploring before the big annual Liberation Ceremony on the town square in the evening. The Operation Torch group was honored to have Don Malarkey, E Compagny, 506 PIR, to join the group for several days.
On this special day in Eindhoven, Petra Wenstedt and Han Pulles (officers of the Screaming Eagles of WWII Foundation), Joe Bossi (their "Director of US Operations"), Ben Infuso (a Vietnam veteran of the 506th PIR from Canada who joined the American Army so he could serve in the 101st Airborne Division), Eindhoven resident Peter van de Wal (host to Don Malarkey) and Don himself were invited to the office of the Mayor of Eindhoven: Alexander Sakkers.
Joe Bossi presented the mayor with the 506 PIR flag accompanied by a message to the people of Eindhoven from Col. Vail of the 506th, currently in Iraq.
A flag from the 101st Airborne Division Association was also presented by Joe.
In this way, the Screaming Eagles of WWII Foundation was able to present their initiative to the Mayor, accompanied by a message from MG Turner to the Foundation which stresses the importance of continuing the bonds of friendship between the American and Dutch people.
Thousands of people joined in the parade and light events of the evening. Eindhoven honored Major Richard (Dick) Winters, E/506, with a certificate of Honorary Citizenship in the City of Eindhoven. The open telephone conversation between the Mayor and Major Winters from his home in Pennsylvania was heard by everyone in the town square and was most heartwarming.
