Dear Friends of the 517th,

On June 2^nd, 2004, we had in Manhay, the big happiness to receive a group of 300 - 350 people from America, all of them are from Paratroopers units or from their family (The Static Line Group). About 75 veterans of WWII were present with three men of the 517th. (Ludlow Gibbons, Daniel F. Smith and Gene M. Frice).    For this visit in Manhay, we have the project to start the celebrations of the 60^th Anniversary and we does a ceremony across the town with a small exposition etc…  So' one think was missing in Manhay.   Now, it's rectify and I have the big pleasure to inform that a votive tablet was inaugurated, in homage to the soldiers of the 3^rd Battalion of the 517^th Parachute Infantry Regiment that liberated the village during the night of December 26^th, 27^th, 1944.  This monument was a big surprise for the men of the 517^th present in the group and particularly Mr. Ludlow Gibbons that was in Manhay on December 1944.

We will have again some celebrations in Manhay during this 60^th Anniversary, and particularly on December 18th.  You are all the welcome !

I'm including some photos of this ceremony.

Good Bless all men of the 517^th !

Sincerely,

A friend from Manhay,

Eddy