Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Craig Norton | An M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle assigned to Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th...... read more read more
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MONS, Belgium – The city of Mons, Belgium, has celebrated the U.S. Army’s Armor Corps since Sept. 2, 1944, that is when the 3rd Armored Division liberated the city from the Germans during World War II.
During the past 18 years a re-enactment of the 3rd AD’s March into the city’s Grand Place with World War II-era track and wheeled vehicles, as well as the Battle of Mesvin, has been conducted.
This year’s liberation celebration was historical different as a modern U.S. Army Ironhorse led the march into the Place area.
An M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle and a six-Soldier crew, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment (2-8 CAV), 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (1st ABCT, 1st CD), made history again for the Armor Corps by being the first American armored team to crew a U.S. armored vehicle during the Tanks in Mons parade.
Ironically, the 2-8 CAV’s march into The Grand Place occurred exactly on the 74th anniversary, Sept. 2, 2018!
“It’s exciting! I don’t believe a lot of people know the part we played in the liberation of Belgium, so I think U.S. Soldiers being here, taking part in this celebration, brings everybody together for that comradery,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Bailey Troupe, a Bradley vehicle mechanic assigned to Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.
War is a significant part of U.S. and European history, specifically during this day and age when few World War II veterans are still alive. The European people, particularly the Belgians, are very appreciative of the Americans.
“The locals have been amazing,” said Troupe. “They love us! They come up to us and talk to us…everybody gets excited they just want to converse with everybody.”
The Tanks in Mons celebration has a huge following among the European historical community. It’s the largest gathering of operational World War II armored vehicles in one location. For a World War II history enthusiast this is a dream come true.
As a World War II buff, this makes me really excited and extremely humbled to have a chance to be here, a chance to be part of this, said Spc. Max Greenspon, an infantryman assigned to C Co, 2-8 CAV, 1/1 CD
The Stallions are currently deployed in support of Atlantic Resolve in Europe. They’re stationed in Poland. In addition, to them building historic, lasting relationship with the Polish community, they’re also making a tremendous impression throughout Europe.
| Date Taken: | 09.05.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 09.06.2018 09:20 |
| Story ID: | 291576 |
| Location: | MONS, BE |
| Web Views: | 523 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, A Stallions’ Ironhorse Led Tanks in Mons Parade, by SFC Craig Norton, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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