European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - August 18, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse                                The ardennes an american tribute continued from Page 13 his 80s, lives in Glendale Calif. Quot it a Good idea Quot said Farhat who is half belgian and half palestinian of the Star shaped memorial. Quot it shows it s  a climb up the Monument s spiralling stairway offers a splendid View of the once ravaged  pastures cover Hills that in december 1944 were battlefields. While on top one can review Battle plans that Are built on five Aqua coloured triangular shaped panels placed in the five Points of the Star. Likewise the Center situated just across the Road is also in the shape of a Star. The Center opened in 1976 and draws Over 100,000 visitors annually. Inside there Are three main attractions. The first is an electronic circular floor Model depicting the Battle of Bastogne with different coloured illuminated moving graphics showing the american and German movements. As this goes on real Battle scene photographs Are projected onto the screens backed with Battle sound effects. A written account is Given in English French dutch German italian and Spanish. Another feature is the collection of hundreds of authentic uniforms from the Battle of the bulge including that of German Gen. Hasso von Manteuffel who personally donated his to the museum. The uniforms worn by Wax models carrying weapons Are placed against dioramas. Other combat paraphernalia a like foot powder Barbaso Beard conditioner a manual titled sex Hygiene and cd and a shot up helmet Are encased in Glass for. Viewing. Finally a Cinema showing some of the Best clips from German and Allied archives depicts the horrific fighting Between them it is estimated there were 100,000 German deaths and 80,000 americans either killed wounded or taken prisoner during the Battle for Bastogne and the surrounding area. The Center is usually open daily March through november. During Winter months it is open Only for groups with a reservation. A gift shop is located inside the Center. Telephone 061-211413 for More information. When calling from outside the country dial your International Access code the country code 32 and drop the first 0. The Victory memorial museum billed As the world s largest world War ii museum is located 24 Miles Southeast of Bastogne near the belgian Luxembourg Border on Highway e25/e411 next to the town of Arlan. The building is hard to miss ac-47 transport plane used to drop supplies to the embattled troops Marks the spot. A a a a. A Guidebook outlines the contents of the museum available to sightseers. Retired Gen. John Galvin former supreme Allied commander Europe wrote in the introduction. Quot by preserving and displaying these instruments of modern War the Victory museum performs a vital service. Memorializing the implements of combat does not glorify War. Quite the contrary is True. These silent a c-47 transport plane overlooks the Victory memorial museum hear the Bel Giunn Luxembourg Border. Weapons can clearly remind us our children and future unborn generations that conflict and strife must be avoided. Modern War is too terrible to contemplate and we must remain committed to preventing  it took curators More than 10 years to gather and restore the equipment on display. The floor space is More than two acres. Inside one will find the most important collection of world War ii american and German vehicles a except tanks a in the world promoters say. The museum is designed with a winding Walkway that cuts through the Interior so the 200 restored vehicles can be viewed from Many angles. Half tracks jeeps motorcycles and trucks representing the americans germans British belgians italians and More Are placed throughout. Three Hundred Allied and Axis uniforms Are worn by Wax models. They stand in front of dioramas taken from photographs that bring a realistic feel from yesteryear. In the background music by such big band groups As Glenn Miller can be heard. A 25-minute film is also featured on the victorious Allied Effort against Germany. The film titled from Africa to Berlin is made from some of the Best clips available. The museum is open daily it with expanded hours in the summer months. It is closed however from Jan 10 to feb. 10. Free parking is available and a restaurant and gift shop Are inside. For More information Call 063-219988. When calling from outside the country dial your International Access code followed by the country code 32 and drop the first 0. Another fascinating site in Bastogne is the tears of Freedom museum in the Maison Matheline. The museum is behind the Saint Pierre Church on the Northeast end of town. The House built in the 15th Century is the oldest in Bastogne say 50th anniversary committee staffers whose office is also in the building. This Tri level museum offers a multitude of artefacts from both sides of the Battle. There Are ration boxes helmets weapon crates of .30-caliber Ball and tracer ammunition for m2 rifles and a 105 my howitzer tank Shell. A on a More personal note there is a Christmas card and a go s canteen etched with a nude drawing next to a heart with the name Millie inscribed. A Glass covered table contains charred Money helmets personal weapons boots Compass and religious artefacts a a grim reminder of War s Many fates. Fire killed or wounded Many men. Whole rooms Are designed to re create life size settings such As a foxhole a Village classroom and a shelling shelter. This shelter found in the basement of the museum depicts survival by a few adults and Young children at a Bare minimum with All its sommerness and repair. The museum is open daily but beginning sept. 6, will be closed mondays. For More information Telephone 061-211758. When calling from outside the country dial your International Access code followed by the country code 32 and drop the first 0. Motorists and cyclists can have an alternative View of he historical tour of the Battle of Bastogne. Basically it s 14 selected spots in Bastogne and the surrounding Countryside. Each location is marked with an information panel explaining its significance to the Battle. The panels contain photographs sketches and maps from the Battle. A the first Marker is downtown at Mcauliffe Square near the Sherman tank which sets the tone of the City. Brig. Gen Anthony g. Mcauliffe was the 101 St officer who in response to a German request to surrender issued the famous one word answer nuts. Next Stop is the mar Dasson memorial. At succeeding stops you Are guided to the next panel on the 26-mile-Long route. One exhibit honors Black soldiers who fought in Wii left while another depicts Gen. Dwight a Eisenhower and chauffeur Kay Summersby above. R Gen. Bradley Gen. Eisenhower it. Gen. Patton or. A Vvs amps photos by Ken George Wax figures Are dressed in authentic German uniforms worn during the Battle of the bulge. 14 stripes Magazine August 18, 1994 August 18, 1994 stripes Magazine 15