Commemoration at the Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery & Memorial				Standing at 1st Lt. J.J.OLSEN's last resting place.

Meeting & Escorting Vets

The 104th Infantry Division National "Timberwolf" Association, grouping WWII Veterans of the United States 104th Infantry Division of World War II fame, organized another Veterans' Tour to Europe in April-May 2001. 18 Vets accompanied by their relatives, numbering some 42 people in total, visited Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands . While in Belgium, a visit to the World War II Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery & Memorial took place . Many KIAs from the Division are buried in this Cemetery .

We were kindly invited to be present at the Henri-Chapelle Cemetery on May 2, 2001 in order to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony for 1st Lieutenant John J. OLSEN, O-1289308, Officer of the 415th Infantry Regiment, 104th "TIMBERWOLF" Infantry Division, killed in action December 3, 1944 and who rests in eternal peace at this place . We were requested to act as wreath-bearers and honor guard, which we gladly accepted, and performed this duty in full class A uniform adorned with the "Timberwolf"  SSI . The two daughters of the late 1st Lt. J.J. Olsen (Jane & Monica) were present in the group of returning Veterans and their families . The elder daughter was barely one year old when her father passed away, while the youngest daughter was born three weeks later . Truly a human tragedy ! Veterans participating at the ceremony and later met during official receptions in Holland belonged to following units; 413th Inf Regt, 414th Inf Regt, 415th Inf Regt, 104th Rcn Tp, 329th Engr Cbt Bn, and 386th Fld Arty Bn . 

The party of Vets was welcomed around 1400 hrs by Superintendent G.V. Arseneault and staff, while Brigadier General William J. Leszczynski, Director ABMC European Region, personally addressed the group . After this short speech we escorted the Veterans and their next of kin to 1st Lt. Olsen's grave, where his two daughters deposited the flowers . We then all stood at attention and brought a hand salute, while observing a one minute silence . Everyone got quite emotional . We are very grateful and feel quite honored for having been invited by the National "Timberwolf" Association to assist the WWII Veterans during this ceremony .

<TO THESE WE OWE THE HIGH RESOLVE THAT THE CAUSE FOR WHICH THEY DIED SHALL LIVE>

"LEST WE FORGET"

Remark: some of our Dutch members are very much involved with the 104th Timberwolf National Association, (which liberated their hometown) and have cooperated with the local authorities to help build a TW Monument (inaugurated May 5, 2001), they further organize receptions and local battlefield tours for returning Timberwolf Veterans, whenever they visit the region . Particularly active Dutch members are Pvt "Ron T. Brook" -  Pfc "Peter J. Owens" - Pvt "Adrian C. Hassell" and T/4 "Hank J. Cages", assisted by 2d Lt. "Jessie G. Eastbird"