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Commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge

Nov 27, 2024

Eighty years ago this December, General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Allied forces faced one of their greatest challenges of World War II when the Battle of the Bulge erupted in the Ardennes Forest. More than 30 Americans who died in the Battle of the Bulge are buried in Gettysburg National Cemetery

On Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, join a park ranger in Gettysburg National Cemetery at 3 p.m. for a special ranger-guided walking tour to commemorate the 80th anniversary of this battle.

Battle of the Bulge

In December 1944, a massive German assault left a gaping hole in Allied lines, leading to thousands of troops cut off from reinforcement, as well as thousands more killed, wounded, captured or missing. The Battle of the Bulge was the largest and costliest battle of World War II for American forces. Nearly one out of every ten American casualties in the war occurred in this month-long battle.

This free guided walking tour in Gettysburg National Cemetery will explore the stories of these Americans who, in General Eisenhower’s words, “endured greatly in their country’s cause” 80 years ago. This hour-long program will meet at the Taneytown Road entrance to the national cemetery. Visitors are encouraged to dress for the elements and check Eisenhower National Historic Site's website and Facebook page for updates in the event of inclement weather. In the event this program is postponed, there is a rain date of Monday, Dec. 16 at 3 p.m.

Read the National Park Service press release online.

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