Randy Buelens from Strombeek (Grimbergen) in Flemish Brabant has started a crowdfunding appeal for an American World War II veteran. He wants to use the money, to give 99-year-old "Buck" the chance to attend commemorations in June marking the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings.
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Randy launches crowdfunding to give US vet and liberator of Belgium D-Day trip
Colin Clapson
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On June 6 it’s exactly 80 years ago that Allied soldiers landed on the beaches of Normandy. That was the day, in 1944, when the liberation of western Europe began. "I met Buck, an American war veteran, for the first time five years ago, during the commemoration of the Battle of the Bulge, " says Randy explaining his connection with the former soldier. "He was the first veteran I met and that was really an overwhelming experience."
It didn't stop at that one meeting. "I sent Buck a letter afterwards to thank him. He then invited me to Houston," says Randy, who has now visited Buck three times. "Buck served in the 2nd Infantry Division during WWII and arrived in Normandy a few days after D-Day. He then saw action at various places in France and was seriously wounded in Belgium in December 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge."
Buck will celebrate his 100th birthday on 1 June. Randy would like to gift him a trip to Europe to attend the commemoration of 80 years of D-Day. "It is still hugely important to him even so many years later. It is and always will be a big part of his life," Randy explains. "Unfortunately, Buck cannot afford the trip. However, now is really the time to honour veterans like Buck. They are all in their late 90s, early 100s. In a few years, there will be no more veterans."
Randy wants to raise 4,000 euros in total thanks to a crowdfunding initiative. "That money will mainly serve to pay for his plane tickets and his stay in Normandy. This time, his wife Shirley will join him. That all together means a decent sum is needed," Randy concludes.