Last Day in Luxembourg

The morning began with the peal of the church bells echoing through the town, beckoning us for an early walk around town prior to meeting with Ernest for yet another adventure.

We attended mass last evening so that we could get an early start to Diekirch Military Museum. There we were met by Roland Gaul, the curator of the military museum, whom I had corresponded with regarding my search on several occasions. He directed us on a private tour and we were surprised to receive a copy of the book that he has written regarding the area and the battle of the bulge. I had read his book several years ago, and we will certainly treasure his signed copy.

It amazes me that these people of Luxembourg can be so generous with their time, truly interested in this search for Marty's uncle, when I have to battle at the American end to get anyone to take me seriously. This has certainly been such an insightful trip and I am thrilled that we decided to add this extra onto our plans. It has definitely been worth every minute.

After a wonderful lunch at "The Grille" in Diekirch, Ernest drove us back to the site of the crossing, where we found Mike Boehler and a young friend enthusiastically sweeping the ground with metal detectors. We had been told that this area had been searched in the past and that there would be nothing there of value. In short time, after reviewing the map I had brought and discussing the movements of Company F, Mike found 3 "live" American hand grenades. In the time that we were there, he and his friend uncovered an American razor blade, a shovel for digging foxholes, and several other items that were American made.
Mike is an expert at searching for military items in this area, and those of you who might be concerned that the grenades might have exploded can rest assured that he takes the utmost caution when he is working. He has assured me that he and his friend will be going out in the future to spend some more time searching.

I told him how grateful we were, and that I was truly not expecting him to find any signs of Marty's uncle, but that it brought great solace to know that someone had actually taken the time to actually look.

After some time in the field, we all relaxed at a local restaurant and had an enjoyable evening chatting. It is funny how people of such different natures can all have a similar bond and really have an enjoyable time, isn't it?