bookshelf--magazine archives: Crossing generations, The

National Guard, Nov 2002 by Ambrose, Stephen E

Below is an excerpt from the January 2002 issue of NATIONAL GUARD magazine chronicling the visit of author Stephen E.Ambrose and World War II 29th Infantry Division veterans to current division members in Bosnia.

Crossing Generations

"More than 57 years ago, 29th Infantry Division soldiers stormed Omaha Beach in Normandy, France to begin Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower's 'Great Crusade' for the liberation of Western Europe.

"Those who survived have a special bond, one forged in battle and honed over the decades.

" ... Ten D-Day veterans returned to Europe recently to embrace Guardsmen of today's 29th Infantry Division (Light) and to learn about the intricate peacekeeping operation the division is conducting in Bosnia.

"... Joining the 10 veterans was one of their strongest admirers, noted author and historian Stephen E. Ambrose (page 40). Several of the veteran's names can be found in Ambrose's books, D-Day June 6, 1944: The Climactic Battle of World War II and Citizen Soldiers.

"Over three days, Ambrose and the vets trouped the U.S. peacekeeping sector in northeastern Bosnia

"[Ambrose ] said that today's peacekeeping operations have much in common with World War II. Both, he said, aim to rid the world of tyrants

" ... [But Ambrose said] he came to Bosnia not so much to celebrate the past as to get a glimpse of the future. `And what I see,' he said, `is the U.S. Army comprised of people who have their origins from all over the world. And they make up one Army.'

"He also said that he believes that peacekeeping operations, such as those in Bosnia and Kosovo, are prototype missions of the future. Ambrose added that what the veterans did victoriously during World War II didn't end in 1945. It continues today, with the peacekeepers ensuring peace, freedom and democracy."

Stephen E. Ambrose died last month of cancer His trip to Bosnia last year was one his of last interactions with the everyday World War II veterans he so admired.