One special story was about Pfc. Jack Cook, an orphan 14 years old when he enlisted in 1943, and was shipped to Europe for the Great War. Jack was big for his age, and got his stepmother to promise not to reveal his age to the military. Jack Cook fought in the Ardennes, Belgium during the battle of the Bulge. That was in December 1944 when the Germans made one last attempt to cut through Belgium to reach the port of Antwerp, and deal the Allies a blow.

In spring 1945, Jack's stepmother went to the Army to reveal his true age. Immediately, an order was sent to relieve Jack from his battle duties, now across the border in Germany. The order arrived one day too late. In Jack's last fight, he was the first soldier to approach a German stronghold, when a white flag of surrender was waved. A sniper's bullet ended his life. Jack Cook has his final restplace in Margraten, a beautiful countryside he helped liberate.

South-Limburg Gulp Valley

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I never get emotional about WWII anymore, when a veteran on visit told the story of Jack Cook yesterday on radio, I couldn't keep it dry, when I jotted down his comment.

I believe when war effects the lives of millions, each life is precious. This is the story of Jack Cook, who still lives forth 60 years later, in the thoughts and hearts of his battlefield buddies!

I will also use this diary to keep UPDATES on Bush's visit to the Netherlands today and any Bush speak on foreign policy before he travels to Russia and Georgia.

     

"This generation of Americans has a rendezvous with destiny."
               .........Franklin Delano Roosevelt - June 27,1936

XVIII Airborne Corps — 17th Airborne Division

Stretching along the side of the Court are the two Walls of the Missing on which are recorded the names of 1,722 who gave their lives in the service of their Country but who rest in unknown graves. Beyond the tower containing the chapel is the burial area, divided into 16 plots, where rest 8,301 of our military Dead, their headstones set in long curves. A wide tree-lined mall leads to the flag staff which crowns the crest.

The light fixture in the chapel, and the altar candelabra and flowerbowl were presented by the Government of the Netherlands and by the local Provincial administration.

Weeping figure for all left behind
with olive tree of hope

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UPDATED –14:00 EST–

The essence of PM speech was a call for all nations to join and unite to ward off adversaries through dialogue in search of permanent peace.

The commemoration at the War Memorial in Margraten has just finished. It was a sober but impressive ceremony with salute firing squad, missing man formation in joint fly-over, taps and a military band playing short march music themes. George and Laura enjoyed themselves, were very informal with extensive handshaking afterwards and meeting the veterans. Queen Beatrix was present to accompany the president, as both expressed their appreciation to the fallen heroes by symbolism of wreath laying at the 30m high memorial.

The PM and GW both referred to Anne Frank in their speeches. I believe GW mentioned Iraq and terror only ONCE, unbelievable. George must have spent breakfast at the invitation of Beatrix, who is known for her sympathy for pacifism.

President Bush at the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial
Transcript of speech at Margraten